Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Hinsdale Central Gym 5500 S Grant St. Hinsdale, IL 60521 Hinsdale Central HS Red Devils Hinsdale Central Gym website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 3,500 Red Ribbons and Plenty of Banners They have been playing basketball at Hinsdale Central High School since 1901 and when the Illinois High School Association created a basketball tournament to crown a state champion in 1908, the high school was one of 13 schools invited. The Red Devils would finish 4th that season but the following year captured the state championship with an 18-13 victory over Washington after sporting a 22-3 regular-season record. This was also the first season when the tournament was opened to all schools in the state. The 1909 game was the school’s lone championship in boy’s basketball but the Devils have produced 19 West Suburban Conference championships, three Elite Eight appearances in the state tournament, and two regional championships. The club also produced an impressive 27 consecutive home victories between 1996 and 1997 when the team sported an overall record of 55-7. Since 1952 the basketball games have been held at the Hinsdale Central Gym–the “Central” was added when Hinsdale South High School opened in 1965. The capacity was once listed as 4,200 but has been trimmed down to around 3,500 these days. The gym features a classic look from its exterior main entrance and is more impressive once you walk through its doors. The gym is also home to the annual Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic that features 16 teams from the area competing over 4 days of 32 high school hoops taking place on the iconic court. The tournament began in 2015 and is one of ten that takes place in the state around the holidays. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at the corner of the gym on the lower level that is quite large for a high school venue. The options are similar to other gyms and include hot dogs, nachos, pizza slices, candy, and chips. However, fans can opt for a brat while watching a basketball game. The prices are reasonable and range between $1 to $4 and include the school’s official water that is made specifically for the high school. Atmosphere 4 The first thing you will most likely notice is the multiple banners hanging from the ceiling’s perimeter honoring the multiple school championship teams dating from 1909. There are 112 banners from the school’s various programs that include traditional powerhouses in tennis and swimming. There is also a banner from the 2014-2015 season when a record 8 different boys and girls teams won their respective championships. The second noticeable feature of girls is the looping red ribbons that hang from the ceiling that give the place much of its charm and character. The decor adds to the plethora of red that is featured in and around the gymnasium. The gym itself has a box-shaped design with an outer concourse with staircases at each corner.\ There is an upper balcony that wraps around the majority of the arena and features permanent thick brown bleacher seats behind each basket. The balcony seats behind the baskets almost hover over the action taking place down below. The box-shaped lower-level bleachers are more modern and can be pulled in and out depending on the event taking place in the gym. A wrap-around outer concourse houses multiple accolades and trophy cases along with a couple of small ticket windows. The atmosphere is quite different between a home Red Devils game in comparison to a holiday tournament. There is no band, student section, dance squad, or cheer team to be found during the games. However, the design of the venue and its charm provides its atmosphere during the winter break of basketball games. Neighborhood 3 Hinsdale is located 17 miles west of Chicago and features a population of 17,000 plus. There are a few places to grab a bite to eat before the game including classic Chicago foods at Chishack and Falco’s Pizzeria. Chishack is known for Italian beef, hot dogs sausages, and burgers. Falco’s serves regular, ultra-thin, or double-dough crust pizza along with sandwiches, pasta, and dinners. Pints of beer are $2 on Tuesday and Thursday. There are a few craft breweries within a couple of miles from the high school and including Scallywag Brewing and Black Horizon Brewing Company. Another great choice of beer is Fuller House, an American tavern offering wood-fired pizza. The Graue Mill is a water-powered grist mill that was originally erected in 1852. Now a museum, it is one of two operating water-powered grist mills in Illinois. The Hinsdale History Museum bridges the past, present, and future by engaging the community with its history and architecture. The Western Springs Water Tower is a museum and former water tower in nearby Western Springs. Fans 3 The Devils have some great fans and during the tournament came in droves to support their team on Boxing Day. It is probably a little different during a regular season home game where the student section comes alive and the band adds the musical soundtrack to the proceedings. Access 4 The gym is located within a few miles of I-294 and its design makes moving around the building quite effective. The contests are not heavily attended and fans will be able to move around to enjoy games without trampling over students and fans. Bathrooms are located on the outer concourse of the gym. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to games are $8 per day and that allows access to all four games. The concession prices are reasonable and parking is free in the large lot outside the gym. The games are competitive and many go down to the last second allowing for enjoyable experiences from the stands. Extras 4 The gym receives three points for its 112 banners that decorate the rafters, the red ribbons that hang from its ceilings, and it's balcony seating that hovers above the main court. The gym earns a final point for its Red Devil Fuel, basically bottled water, but a nice touch when visiting the concession stand during the game. -------- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Owen T. Carroll Field 400 South Orange Ave South Orange, NJ 07079 Seton Hall Pirates website Owen T. Carroll Field website Year Opened: 1907 Capacity: 1,800 Pirates Soccer in South Orange Owen T. Carroll Field on the campus of Seton Hall University is home to the Pirates' baseball and soccer teams. The stadium opened in 1907 and has been home to Seton Hall men's soccer since 1928 and the women's soccer program since its inception. It has been renovated several times, most recently in 2019. This review will focus on the experience at a Seton Hall soccer game. Stadium Journey also has a review of Owen T. Carroll Field for Seton Hall baseball . Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at Owen T. Carroll Field. However, the reason we give this category one star rather than zero is that there are several promotions a year offering free food to fans. When Stadium Journey visited, Seton Hall was giving away free cookies and hot chocolate to fans, although they ran out by halftime. Check the promotion schedule for more details. Fans are also free to bring their food and drink, except alcohol. Atmosphere 4 The sightlines at Owen T. Carroll Field are better than you would expect at a dual-use baseball/soccer field. The seating area is located entirely along one sideline behind the benches in what would be the centerfield for baseball and runs parallel to the sideline. This makes for some odd dimensions for baseball but is ideal for soccer. The only downside is that you may struggle to see over the roofs that cover the team benches, but this will only obstruct a very small portion of the field near the sideline. There are only a few rows of seats in the soccer seating area. The middle sections consist of chairbacks, while the others are bleachers without backs. Seating is first-come, first-served, but you should have no trouble getting a chairback no matter when you arrive. A large scoreboard is located to the left of the seating area and shows the number of shots and saves for each team, as well as the score and clock. It is also capable of displaying animated graphics, although this is rarely used. It will show a graphic saying "Corner Kick" when one happens, but this feature seems underutilized. The seating area in the baseball stadium behind home plate is also open, but nobody will be sitting here, and you will only be able to see the soccer field over the advertising boards from the top couple of roads. It can be a unique place to watch a game from, but you will be very far from the field. Neighborhood 5 The Seton Hall campus is located in South Orange, New Jersey, which may be the best college town in the Big East. The downtown area around South Orange Avenue is filled with local businesses. Bunny's Sports Bar is very popular with the locals, but you will find many options here, from Italian to Chinese to bars, pubs, and whatever else you might want. Just keep in mind if you head too far east on South Orange Avenue towards Newark, the neighborhood gets a lot worse. You should be safe if you drive through here in your car on the way to or from campus, but you don't want to do too much walking around here. Still, as long as you stick to the part of South Orange Avenue near campus, this is a great neighborhood. Fans 3 Seton Hall draws a few hundred fans to a typical game, who will be a good mix of friends and family of the players, Seton Hall students, and local Pirates fans. While the seating area won't be full, the crowd can get fairly loud at times. At other times, however, it will be so quiet that you can hear most of the shouting going on on the field. Soccer may not be the biggest sport at Seton Hall, but this is still a decent fan base. Access 4 Seton Hall is located on South Orange Ave., which runs through Newark into South Orange itself. A large parking garage is located right next to the stadium, and you should have no trouble parking here. However, you will then need to walk down Seton Drive parallel to the right field line of the baseball stadium to get to the soccer bleachers. This is not a long walk by any means, but it does mean the garage isn't as close as it seems. One small point to note is that although the field is visible from the garage, signs prohibit fans from watching the game from there. The South Orange train station is also located a short walk away from the Seton Hall campus. Restrooms are located behind the first base dugout in the baseball portion of the stadium, so this can be a bit of a walk from the soccer bleachers. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes, but plan accordingly. Since soccer is such a fast-paced game with no real stoppages other than halftime, this walk means you can miss a significant portion of the match while you go. This does cause us to take this ranking down a notch when it would otherwise score even higher. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Seton Hall soccer games is free, except Big East or NCAA Tournament games. Parking in the garage is also free, and while there are no concessions to buy, there is sometimes free food, which improves the value even more. . Extras 3 A marketing table is located by the entrance, offering giveaways. There are banners on the far sideline listing Seton Hall's soccer postseason accomplishments. Look for the retired number poster near the entrance to the bleachers honoring Kelly Smith, a Seton Hall women's soccer player who went on to play professionally in England and the United States, as well as representing England and the Great Britain Olympic team internationally. Final Thoughts Owen T. Carroll Field is a unique place to watch a soccer game. While soccer on a baseball field isn't always the best viewing experience, Seton Hall finds a way to make it work here. For college soccer fans in North Jersey, a Seton Hall soccer game is a fun way to spend a fall day.

Photos courtesy Seton Hall Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Owen T. Carroll Field 400 South Orange Ave South Orange, NJ 07079 Seton Hall Pirates website Owen T. Carroll Field website Year Opened: 1907 Capacity: 1,800 Pirates Baseball in South Orange Owen T. Carroll Field has been the home of the Seton Hall University baseball team since 1907. The field underwent a 6.5 million dollar renovation in 2006. The renovation included the addition of field turf. In June of 2010, the field turf was replaced. Carroll Field is located on the campus of Seton Hall University. The field is named for Owen T. Carroll, who coached the Pirates from 1948-1972. The field is located near the Richie Regan Athletic Center, where the Seton Hall women’s basketball team plays. Food & Beverage 0 There is no concession stand at Owen T. Carroll Field. There are many places to purchase food in the town of South Orange, and a few options on the Seton Hall campus. There is no alcohol allowed since this field is on a college campus. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at a Seton Hall baseball game is very subdued. There is a PA announcer who does a solid job at introducing the players and adding some enthusiasm. There is walkup music for each player on the Pirates, as well as between innings. There are 2 large bleacher sections near the dugouts, and a small area behind home plate. There are also bleachers in the outfield. These seats are generally used for the soccer games, as the Seton Hall soccer squad plays on the same field as the baseball team. Some fans also stand on the parking deck along the third baseline to get a different perspective of the game. There are also some giveaways throughout the season. Schedules, player posters, and other giveaways and promotions are seen during the year. Neighborhood 3 Owen T. Carroll Field is on the campus of Seton Hall University. The village of South Orange is relatively safe, even though it borders the city of Newark, which has a reputation as a dangerous place. Fans looking for some dining options can go into the village, which is right down South Orange Ave. There are plenty of dining options and even a movie theater. The village of South Orange is a typical college town. You will see many storefronts that support Seton Hall University athletics. There are many things to do and see in the village, which is a short walk down South Orange Ave. Fans 1 The fans at Seton Hall baseball games are generally family members.Some students come to the games, and there are also family members from the opposing team if Seton Hall is playing a school close by.The fans are quiet except for the cheers from an RBI or a nice defensive play. Access 4 Seton Hall is located on South Orange Ave. which runs through Newark. You can reach Seton Hall from the Garden State Parkway, and is fairly easy to find. Once on the Seton Hall campus, Owen T. Carroll Field is fairly easy to find. Once inside the gates of Seton Hall, you just follow the road and it will be on your left. There are many lots so parking will be easy to find. There is also a train station in the village of South Orange. The campus of Seton Hall is about a 10-15 minute walk from the train station. Return on Investment 3 There is no price to attend a Seton Hall baseball game. Seton Hall does not charge for parking, and there are no concessions sold at the game. The quality of baseball that you will see is well worth the cost of gas to get to the game. Seton Hall is a Division One program, and many great players have come through South Orange. Perhaps the most notable alumnus is 2015 Baseball Hall of Famer Craig Biggio. You will have a great seat no matter where you sit, and you will see some top notch college baseball. . Extras 3 One star is awarded for the programs that are given out at every game. The programs provide information on each Seton Hall player as well as the stats of each team. A second star is awarded for the great scoreboard at Carroll Field. In addition to all your basic information, it also shows a graphic for each player when they come to the plate. A final star is given for the beautiful field and facility that Seton Hall has, as well as the retired numbers which can be seen along the right field fence. Final Thoughts There are very few bells and whistles at Owen T. Carroll Field. What you will see however, is high quality college baseball. This quaint college town of South Orange is a nice place to spend a day, and take in a ballgame while you are there. You may end up seeing a future MLB player, or as many Pirate fans have in the past, a future Hall of Famer.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 ODU Volleyball Center 4500 Parker Avenue Norfolk, VA 23529 Old Dominion Monarchs website ODU Volleyball Center website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 900 Monarch Volleyball Located on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, the ODU Volleyball Center is home to the Monarchs' volleyball program, as you might expect from the name. The Volleyball Center is a modern venue opened in 2020, featuring 900 chairback seats, a spacious lobby, and practice facilities. When creating the ODU volleyball program in 2020, the Monarchs elected to build a state-of-the-art new facility, renovating an old athletic administration building, rather than play in the basketball arena or an old practice gym as some other schools do. The move has definitely paid off for them, as this is a high-quality arena. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand at a window in the lobby of the ODU Volleyball Complex. The menu is pretty simple. Hot dogs are $6, peanuts (in a large bag from Texas Roadhouse) are $5, nachos are $6, chips are $3, candy is $5, and popcorn is $5.50. To drink, bottled water and soda are $5 and Gatorade is $6. Alcohol is available at a cart outside the entrance to the building, but as the alcohol can only be consumed in this outdoor area, it is not very popular at all. Atmosphere 5 Walking into the ODU Volleyball Center will put you in a spacious lobby with several displays honoring Monarchs volleyball. You will buy your tickets at a table located straight ahead, then walk through the doors on your right to enter the arena. All seats are chairbacks, almost all along the sidelines, with an excellent view of the action on the court. As the court was designed for volleyball rather than basketball, which has a much wider playing area, the sideline seats are quite close to the action. A videoboard plays a hype video before the game, then functions as a scoreboard as well as graphic display. It seems to be capable of displaying player stats, but when Stadium Journey visited, it briefly displayed the player stats from the previous game before that functionality went away entirely for the remainder of the match. Before the game, the lights go down as a spotlight shines on the court and the Monarchs are introduced. Then the hype video plays to get the crowd fired up. With the low ceilings, it can get quite loud throughout the game (more on that in the Fans section) and the atmosphere here can be quite spectacular. Neighborhood 3 The ODU Volleyball Center is located in the middle of the Old Dominion campus, in a residential neighborhood, so there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity. However, if you head a few blocks east on 43rd Street to the vicinity of Chartway Arena, there are many options for visitors to enjoy. La Herradura is a popular Mexican restaurant, and Del Vecchios is known for its pizza. If you make the short drive into downtown Norfolk, you will find even more options. Fans 5 The ODU Volleyball Center seats about 900 fans, and while it is not usually completely full, it does come close, drawing 600-700 fans a game, including many locals and students. This is far from a friends and family crowd that you see at some schools. The fans in attendance are quite loud, boosted by the low ceilings and tight walls. Then the Monarchs have a set point, they rise to their feet, cheer, and urge them to finish the task. While ODU certainly doesn't have the largest volleyball crowds in the country, the fan support is just right for the size of the arena. You should still be able to get tickets, no need to worry about it selling out, but you will find an electric fan atmosphere here. Access 4 The city of Norfolk is accessible via many highways, including I-64, I-564, I-264, and I-664. The ODU campus is easily accessible from all of them. However, if coming from points north and west of Norfolk, you will likely need to take one of the bridge-tunnels across either the harbor or the bay. These can have long backups at times, particularly later in the season as summer approaches and people start heading to the beach. Be sure to allow extra time to get across. Once you are on campus, parking is available in Lot 43 as well as in the parking garage at Elkhorn Avenue and 43rd Street. In either location, parking is $2 per hour on weekdays, payable via your mobile phone. Follow the instructions on the posted signs, which will tell you how to pay. Be warned that the campus authorities do ticket cars who don't pay. On weekends, parking is free. Restrooms are available in the lobby and are of a sufficient size for the crowds. Return on Investment 4 Admission to all ODU regular season volleyball games is just $5. Military gets in for $4 with valid ID and ODU students get in for free. Tickets are purchased at the door when you arrive and can't be purchased in advance. This is a good value, but the cost to park brings this down a little. Try to go on a weekend to maximize your value. Extras 4 Free programs are available as you come in. Two stars here for the lion statue in the lobby - a reference to ODU's mascot - and the photos of ODU volleyball players on display. Monarchs volleyball has clearly made this place their home. A fourth and final star for the pregame hype video and player introductions with the spotlight to get the crowd fired up. Final Thoughts The ODU Volleyball Center is a high-quality, modern facility that is just the right fit for the Monarchs volleyball program. It is just the right size for the fan support the Monarchs attract, and the athletic department puts a lot of effort into the fan experience here. It is good to see ODU build a modern volleyball arena for their program rather than simply put up a net in a basketball arena that would be far too large, or stick them in an old practice gym. Volleyball fans in this area of Virginia will definitely want to check out a game at ODU.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Infinity Insurance Park 11491 SW 17th St Miami, FL 33199 Florida International Golden Panthers website Infinity Insurance Park website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 2,000 The Other Miami Baseball Power Without a doubt, FIU baseball has been one of the school’s few steady contenders year after year. However, they get overshadowed by the University of Miami all too frequently. FIU Baseball Stadium’s generally uninteresting exterior also makes it easy to drive right by without paying too much attention to it. Once inside the facility, there isn’t too much optically to blow one’s mind, but the seating and viewing angles are quite good for college baseball. Food & Beverage 3 FIU’s concessions are generally good, but nothing too exciting. Prices are moderately average, with chicken sandwiches and nachos running $6, sausages at $5, pizza, burgers, peanuts, Cracker Jack, hot pretzels, and hot dogs costing $4, and popcorn going for $3 to $5. Assorted candy and snacks run anywhere from $1 to $5 as well, with sodas and water costing $4. The school does offer arepas for $5 and plantain chips for $3, giving you a few staple south Florida options not always available everywhere else. Atmosphere 3 The students do tend to turn out for FIU baseball, with fans packing it in during popular games against bigger teams and rivalry matchups. Sellouts are frequent for in-state rivalry games against Miami, Florida State, Florida Atlantic, and others. However, while those games may have a playoff feel, games against lesser known and district opponents tend to be snooze-fests at times, drawing a smaller crowd than others. The fans here are sport knowledgeable, and know the FIU players well. The students and fans do lack that passion you see at some schools, where those in attendance tend to go all out with face paint, homemade signs, and specialized cheers for specific players or opponents. However, this laid-back atmosphere also makes FIU baseball an ideal place to bring young fans to. Neighborhood 3 FIU Baseball Stadium is on campus, like all of FIU's athletic fields, which makes it convenient to attend. Unlike stadiums in the middle of a city, there is a sense of security on campus, as you are seemingly separated from the rest of the neighborhood around it. However, there still remains the issue of how that surrounding neighborhood looks, and it isn't exactly the best in Miami – Sweetwater is a town known for political corruption and severe street flooding during hurricanes, and not much else. Put a college campus in the middle of it, and you have FIU. The campus itself is growing by the day, with new construction all over the place, and new buildings popping up. FIU Baseball Stadium is on the far west end of the campus, situated in a corner behind US Century Bank Arena (home of FIU basketball) next to FIU Soccer stadium, and across the street from Riccardo Silva Stadium's parking lot. Very few hotels are nearby, making the idea of an overnight trip hard if you wanted to stay close to the action. Fans 3 The fans at FIU Baseball Stadium aren’t exactly rowdy or hardcore into the game, but they aren’t people who have no idea what is going on either. There is a nice mix of students, locals, and alumni who attend, with the occasional celebrity sighting at the games. The laid-back atmosphere makes it great for kids, and younger fans can get engaged during game breaks on days when the staff has giveaways and games for them to take part in. Access 3 Getting to any stadium at FIU isn't too hard, but traffic can sometimes be problematic. As is typical in Miami, traffic backs up right around the exits nearest FIU's campus on a daily basis. If you find yourself hoping to get to a game and rush hour happens to have lasted a little longer on that day, you may be in for a late arrival. FIU’s campus is right off of Florida's Turnpike, and FIU’s softball field is actually visible from the freeway itself. There is free parking available for FIU baseball games across the street from FIU Baseball Stadium. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are not expensive by any means, and with the smaller crowds, you can move around pretty much to any seat you wish to sit in. That said, the moderately low cost of concessions means you aren’t spending a million bucks to go to a college baseball game, which in itself is a pretty great deal. However, with nothing to really set itself apart from anywhere else in college baseball, FIU Baseball Stadium doesn’t offer anything to draw you into their games, other than the prospect of watching D1 baseball. Extras 2 There are free posters given away to fans who come to games, as well as free game programs. The seats are also not assigned, so you can pick from the standard bleacher seats in the upper seating, or the individually-backed chair seats in the first few rows up from the field itself. Final Thoughts Despite its flaws, FIU Baseball Stadium offers close views to the field from all seating areas, and generally low prices for concessions. That said, it feels like a stadium that is missing that special something to make it truly feel worthy of a special visit just to take in a Golden Panthers baseball game.

A few months back Stadium Journey reviewed the CIAA Basketball Tournament held at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, MD. The arena had went through an amazing renovation and technically closed again after the tournament to finalize updates in time for the official grand opening, a April 7, 2023 concert by Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. "Got a wife and kids in Baltimore, Jack I went out for a ride and I never went back." Well...you will want to go back... The arena now known as the CFG Bank Arena has a long and storied history. It opened in 1962 as the Baltimore Civic Center. During its time as the Civic Center, the arena hosted legends such as The Beatles, Martin Luther King Jr., and Led Zeppelin, as well as being the home floor of the Baltimore Bullets of the NBA until their move to near Washington, DC in 1973. The indoor soccer team, the Baltimore Blast, as well as various sports teams have also made the venue their home over the years. The venue is also on the site of the Henry Fite House, which became known as "Congress Hall" when it briefly served as the new United States of America's seat of government from 1776–77. The Oak View Group (OVG), which was chosen by the City of Baltimore to manage the venue, closed down the arena in early 2022 to perform a massive renovation on the aging arena. The venue is the seventh arena launched by OVG in 16 months. OVG was formed by Tim Leiweke and his business partner, Irving Azoff. The arena is no longer the outdated dump of arena that is in so many people's memories. Renovations to the arena included new cushioned seats in the bowl and 38 new suites, refurbished concourses and upgraded concessions. The building’s signature spiked roof was preserved. Next-generation touchless and self-serve technologies for food and beverage and merchandise purchases were added, as well as numerous behind the scenes changes. The existing stage area was changed to accommodate the larger size needs of modern events. Stadium Journey attended a recent concert by Lizzo to see how the arena runs as a concert venue. While an occasional sporting event may be held at the arena, it is obvious the changes were largely made for entertainment and not sports. The lack of an updated scoreboard demonstrates this, as sports would want a version better than exists now. It is a bit strange for guests who have been to this venue before as the old 100-level has now been merged into the old 200-level which created a larger "new" 100-level. The concourse above this 100-level has had it's walls removed and a more open concourse was created. They will use large curtains to keep it somewhat separated for concerts where with sporting events they will likely keep it open. The old corner seats that faced away from most of the action has now been changed to be like a more normal corner, curved seating area. The acoustics were very good and on the higher quality end for concerts at a large arena. If you want to see an event in Baltimore, do not let memories of the old Baltimore Arena hold you back. This is a world class venue that will be making history for quite a long time.

Photos by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Highmark Stadium 510 W. Station Square Dr Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC website Highmark Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 5,000 The Other Pittsburgh Football Team Its stadium is on one of the fabled three rivers, its team colors are black and gold, and its fan base is loyal and intense. No, the team isn’t the Steelers, but Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. The Hounds are the Burgh’s newest team, joining the United Soccer League Championship League in 1999. It took the Hounds a while to establish themselves in Pittsburgh–in fact, it played in suburban high school stadiums for well over a decade before it got its own home in Highmark Stadium, which opened in 2013. Not only does the stadium win the “Best Pittsburgh Skyline View” award among the other Burgh sports venues, but it also fields a pretty good team, with captain Alex Dixon, Dane Kelly, and Kenardo Forbes leading the way under head coach Bob Lilley. Food & Beverage 4 Highmark Stadium’s concessions offer the basics–hot dogs, burgers, nachos, chicken fingers, and Dippin’ Dots ice cream. This being Pittsburgh, though, you’re going to want to try the pierogies. More to the point, the disco pierogies, topped with cheese, onions, and sour cream, a takeoff on neighboring New Jersey’s disco fries. You’ll find the longest lines at the funnel cake stand, where staff fries them as fast as people can eat them. While pandemic protocols were still in place, the stadium created the Tailgate Zone, where any ticket holder can grab stuff from food trucks, enjoy an adult beverage and listen to live music. The trucks vary, but you can check the Riverhounds’ website to see what truck will be there when you’re attending. A hot dog and domestic beer will run you $14. There’s a roomy, well-appointed bar just inside the gates for those who want mixed drinks. If actual tailgating’s your thing, you’ll find a fun, family-friendly scene here. Atmosphere 5 Highmark Stadium holds 5,000 with additional standing room. Most of the seats are on the south and east sides because no one wants to block the absolutely breathtaking view of downtown Pittsburgh. Unlike Heinz Field and PNC Park, Highmark Stadium is located on the south shore of the Monongahela River, so Hounds fans get the best panorama of the city, with the Fort Pitt Bridge on the west side behind the club seating. No matter where you sit, you’ll have a good view of the game, the city, and the river. Don’t expect a lot of extracurriculars, though–people are here to watch soccer, not mascots or cheerleaders. Okay, they might watch the passing boats, particularly the Gateway Clipper, the famous tourist paddleboat that makes regular passes on the Mon during games, or admire the skyline repeatedly. The latter is very hard not to do while you’re here. Neighborhood 4 Highmark Stadium anchors the western end of Station Square, an entertainment complex built around the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad station. You’ll find the Pittsburgh outpost of the Hard Rock Cafe here and chains like Buca di Beppo and Joe’s Crab Shack. If you want to go super-fancy, check out Grand Concourse, located inside the beautifully restored depot. The recently opened Tupelo Honey has already established itself as the place to go for fried chicken in the Burgh. There’s a Sheraton hotel here too. If you’re here on the weekend, make sure to stay until Sunday and get a reservation for Grand Concourse’s legendary Sunday brunch buffet. If you decide to take a cruise on the Gateway Clipper, which docks here, enjoy the views but don’t eat on the boat, not when so many good restaurants are available. Fans 5 For such a small venue, Highmark Stadium attracts fairly full houses on a regular basis. Like soccer stadiums worldwide, fans are happily–and continuously–noisy. If you want the whole Riverhounds fan experience, sit in the bleachers on the stadium’s east side. This is the home of the Steel Army, the flag-waving, name-calling, singing, chanting diehard Hounds fans, so of course, this is where the casual fan will have the most fun. Everyone seems to know how the other USL teams are doing, and while there might be some good-natured ribbing, fans of the opposing team will find the Steel Army pretty welcoming. Access 4 With its convenient location at Station Square, it’s easy to get to Highmark Stadium, with ample signage on Interstate 376/Parkway East and West. If you’re staying in downtown Pittsburgh, you can hop the light rail to the Station Square stop and take a short walk from there. If it’s a nice evening (all home games start at 7 P.M.), you can walk across the Smithfield Street Bridge, which ends at Station Square coming out of downtown. You can also walk across the Fort Pitt Bridge, which comes out on the western side of Station Square by the stadium, but be advised there’s always a lot of traffic on the bridge and it’s pretty noisy. Parking at the stadium is $15, but you’ll find cheaper parking within the Station Square complex. If you’re driving and want to get out quickly after the game, it’s strongly suggested to take the exit west of the stadium, as most of Station Square is east of the stadium with a finicky traffic light that causes semi-major backups. Also, because of the venue’s small size, it can be a little difficult to move around when it’s crowded. Highmark Stadium offers wheelchair-accessible seating. Restrooms are spacious and clean and also wheelchair-accessible. Return on Investment 4 Not only are the Steel Army seats fun, but they’re also cheap at $15.50, and a midfield front row seat will run you maybe $25. Since the games are well-attended, the Riverhounds don’t have to run discounts, but you won’t hear people grumbling about getting gouged like they do at Pirates games. It’s very easy to make a night out of a Riverhounds game without spending too much, so families and those looking for inexpensive entertainment options both love going to Highmark Stadium. Extras 3 There is a Riverhounds team store under the club seating, but it’s small and can get claustrophobically crowded, particularly at halftime. Prices, however, are pretty good, and there are enough little things like magnets and horns to make picking up a few souvenirs for the kids worthwhile. In addition, players are always available after games to pose for pictures and sign autographs so that the souvenirs can be even cheaper. Final Thoughts Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC might be the low team on the Steel City sports totem pole, but Highmark Stadium is a genuine gem. With inexpensive tickets, a prime location, and a winning team, a Riverhounds game is becoming an undercover must-do for Pittsburgh residents and visitors alike. The team is allegedly applying for entry into Major League Soccer, but soccer fans won’t be disappointed by either the action on the field or the venue where it’s housed.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Montgomery Field 322 Grand Lake Rd. Celina, OH 45822 Grand Lake Mariners website Montgomery Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 300 Baseball by the Grand Lake The Grand Lake Mariners have been members of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League since 1990 and were named for its connection to the St. Mary’s Grand Lake, which is a few hundred feet away from its home ballpark Montgomery Field. The Mariners have called it home since the 2013 season, but quite a bit has changed over the years. In 2018 a new building was added on the first base line that would serve as the teams’ dugout, Press Box, concession stand, and indoor batting complex. The previous building had been destroyed by a tornado that previous fall resulting in heavy damage to the stadium’s fencing and the destruction of two light poles. The non-profit Celina Baseball Association raised money for the construction of the new building, and plans for a smaller version are planned for the 2023 season on the 3rd base side. The Mariners began with a local fan writing a letter to Commissioner Lou Laslo in 1989 about placing a team in Celina, Ohio. When Laslo visited the town, he agreed, and the following season the club began operations. The ball club’s most successful era was between 1994 and 1998, when they appeared in 5 straight championship games, winning two in 1994 and 1997. The M’s would add another in 2006 and have seen eight players appear in Major League Baseball, including former Cleveland pitcher Paul Shuey serving 11 seasons in the big leagues. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand has two windows behind the home team dugout that serves hot dogs, brats, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and nachos. The booth also has freshly popped popcorn, an assortment of candy bars, chips, and soda. For dessert, the menu options include ice cream sandwiches and freeze pops. Perhaps the most popular food item is a condiment. Mariner Sauce is a brown, sweet-relish that is used on hot dogs, brats, and burgers. It is a secret homemade recipe with onions, brown sugar, ketchup, and a few other secret ingredients. Beer is served on the opposite side of the dugout area in the beer garden and includes cans of macro and microbreweries. The local beers include varieties from Moeller Brew Barn, Tailspin Brewing Company, Second Crossing Brew Company, and Lake Rat Brewing in Celina. The two tailspin cans are 32-ounce, and fans can purchase a Mariners’ koozie or beer bat. The macro beers are Bud, Bud Light, and Busch Light. Atmosphere 4 Montgomery Field holds 300 fans, and close to 260 were on hand during our visit. It is a rather unusual design facility that has the main entrance from the left field corner of the ballpark. The beer garden, lined with trees and roped off by an orange fence, takes up the space behind the right field fence and is buzzing on a cool summer night by the lake. Once you get around the large press box and batting cage complex, the main grandstands open up with kids running around chasing foul balls, older kids playing catch, and picnic tables set up for fans to enjoy a snack. It is where you will find the concession stand and merchandise table selling quite a bit of t-shirts and caps. Netting protects fans from a foul ball while providing a clear view of the synthetic field. The grandstands are made of aluminum bleachers behind home plate and the 3rd base foul line, but more room extends down the left field corner where fans enjoy the game from a lawn seat or two. There is a pitching and batting cage where young fans take turns with their skill at the plate or on the mound. Neighborhood 3 There are a few things to do in town, including Grand Lake Marys State Park. The 13,500-acre state park offers camping, swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking around the man-made lake that dominates the town. Families can enjoy putt-putt golf at the St. Marys Miniature Golf range and enjoy the Belle of St. Marys Boat Canal. The Bicycle Museum of America is outside of town but worth visiting for its vast collection of two-wheel bikes. The Boardwalk Grill is a fun hang-out spot after the game that overlooks the lake and includes an upstairs patio. The restaurant offers sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, and libations. A few other places include C-Town Wings, CJ’s Highmarks, The Willow, and the Speakeasy Steak & Alehouse. Fans 4 The crowd is near capacity for home games, and many are wearing the Mariners colors of blue and green in the stands. There are a few who have the club’s old interlocking GL logo on worn-out caps. Many will be more than happy to tell you about the team’s history, the special sauce at the concession stand, and how the community supports the ball club. Access 3 The main entrance to the ballpark is off Grand Lake Road, which intersects with US-29. There is parking behind the main grandstand and outside the right field fence. Montgomery Field is not set up like your standard ballpark with the main grandstand and baseline seating, but there are more than enough areas to enjoy the game while in attendance. Return on Investment 4 The price of an adult ticket is $5, concession prices for food are no more than $3 an item, and canned beers range from $ 4 to $5 for 16-ounce cans. Fans can purchase koozies for $1 and a beer bat for $10. A baseball cap and t-shirt cost around $20, while a few game-worn jerseys are a steal at $20. Extras 4 Montgomery Field earns a point for its selection of microbrew beers for a $5 can. A second point is for the secret concoction called Mariner Sauce which is topped on burgers, hot dogs, and brats. A third point is awarded for the giant clubhouse that offers players indoor batting cages, a changing room for umpires, a large press box, and a concession area for food and beer. A final point is the Grand Lake St. Marys which is only a few yards away from the ballpark. Final Thoughts I have to admit that I had low expectations about Montgomery Field, and that’s due to a lack of information about the ballpark and town. It is by no means the most glamorous ballpark, but there is a lot to enjoy from the beer garden, the assortment of food and beverages, and its location in the pretty lakeside town. There is strong community support that adds a wonderful backdrop to any baseball game. This is a ballpark worth checking out when in the area. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Courtesy of Baseball in Toledo The Toledo Mud Hens name is one of the most iconic brands in minor league baseball. The name has been used in Toledo since 1896, but there was a short 3-year stint where the baseball club went by the Toledo Sox. A very generic name and with no connection to parent clubs in Boston and Chicago – why did this happen? The story begins with the Mud Hens moving to Charleston, West Virginia, and renamed the Senators in the middle of the 1952 season. It was the first switch in American Association league history. Mud Hens owner Danny Medenez bought the franchise a year earlier from the Detroit Tigers and operated it as an independent franchise. Medenez stated that he lost $67,000 while averaging 1,600 patrons at Swayne Field that season. Opening night in Charleston attracted a standing-room crowd of 7,000 people at Watt Powell Park. The team attracted 42,059 fans for the first 9 games, outpacing what the Mud Hens attracted at Swayne Field in Toledo during 24 games. Toledo would be without baseball, but not for too long. The Boston Braves announced they would relocate to Milwaukee in March 1953. It resulted in the minor league Milwaukee Brewers switching operations to Toledo. The city populace pledged $30,000 in advance ticket sales with a season gate goal of 150,000 fans. Naturally, the team would continue the Mud Hens name, but the new ownership wanted to create fan interest and solicit their ideas. Surprisingly, a poll conducted by the Toledo Times resulted in 500 different nicknames from 7,500 entries with “Buckeyes” and “Braves” as favorites.  Only three of the 751 tallies showed interest in retaining the Mud Hens moniker. A total of 55 names were chosen that included the following: Jets, Dons, Lakers, Papooses, Perrys, Padres, Swans, Barons, Owls, Zebras, Matadors, Wasps, Bees, Teals, Ceramics, Arrows, and Nu-Hens. A four-man committee was selected and it picked the Glass Sox as the official name.  “Since Toledo is the glass center of the world and the word “sox” has long been identified with baseball, I believe the name is very appropriate,” said GM Red Smith. The name was submitted by 25 people, with Fred Schultz being declared the winner. He added that his friends gave him a “good rubbing” for his selection. From the start, the name was controversial; petitions flooded the newspapers and radio offices to reconsider and pick a new name. The moniker Chiefs finished in second place and was favored by Toledo Blade editor Joe Knack. Manager Tommy Holmes indicated that he would not have voted for the name.  A few didn’t care about the new name since they would continue referring to them as the Mud Hens. It did have one fan; pitcher Bob Chipman liked it, “They’ll be shouting, here comes the old glass arm of the Glass Sox.”  It might sound odd that the new club decided to drop the Mud Hens name in favor of something new, but it had been done before in town. In 1916, and after a two-year hiatus, former major league and hometown native Roger Bresnahan purchased the club from the Cleveland Indians. Mud Hens won the name-the-team contest back then, but management went another route. Two sportswriters began referring to the club as the Iron Men, leading one newspaper columnist to write, “it would be a shame to let them drop behind the rust during the coming season.” The name stuck around for a few years before the club returned to being identified as the Mud Hens in 1918. Back to the Glass Sox, the city council objected to the commercialization and puns that may arise from the name. There was a proposal to select a committee to consider a change. Former mayor and councilman Ollie Czelusta said, “If the ballclub is satisfied with the name, maybe we ought to let it pass, but I think it stinks.” A week later, Smith agreed with a fan dissident and held a vote at the ballpark to decide whether to change the name. He added that the committee chose the name fair and square, but “if the majority vote is yes, then the stage will be set up to learn what name a majority of what the fans want. Photo from Baseball in Toledo The public spoke, and on March 14, the Toledo Sox was selected as the new name, ending two weeks of the Glass Sox debacle. A statement by the club announced the following on the decision: “The Glass Sox have been amputated, and the future Toledo would be known as the Toledo Sox.”  The Sox would capture the 1953 American Association pennant but transferred to Wichita, Kansas, after the 1955 campaign. A group of Toledo businessmen had plans to purchase Swayne Field and modernize it for the following season. However, the ballpark was sold for $500,000 to Kroger supermarkets and transformed into a shopping center. Photo from Baseball in Toledo   Baseball would be absent in the Toledo area until 1965 when Maumee Downs was converted from a race track and into Ned Skeldon Stadium. This time, management made the sound decision and picked up the Mud Hens name for their club, a name that has blossomed into a minor league merchandise juggernaut. A small footnote to the Glass Sox name. In 1987 the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League was founded with six ball clubs including one named the Toledo Glass Sox. They played under that name until moving across city lines and renaming themselves the Sylvania Sox before playing one season and folding after the 1995 season. In a strange, and ironic way, history repeated itself in Toledo. I guess they didn’t learn the first time. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Edward A LeLacheur 450 Aiken St Lowell, MA 01854 Edward A. LeLacheur Park website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 5,000 Spin Me Right Round Edward A. LeLacheur Park, located on the banks of the Merrimack River and the edge of the UMass Lowell campus, serves as the home of both the Lowell Spinners, class A short season affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, and the University of Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks baseball teams. It was named for the State Representative and civic leader who spearheaded the redevelopment of the city of Lowell. Opened in 1998, the ballpark was designed by Populous, the firm responsible for numerous prominent sporting venues worldwide. Since arriving in Lowell from Elmira, New York in 1996, the Spinners have qualified for the playoffs in the New York-Penn League three times, losing in the first round each time. 108 Spinners alumni have made it to the major leagues. Food & Beverage 4 While there seems to be some sort of concession stand tucked into virtually every corner of LeLacheur Park, concessions don’t stray too far from your stadium basics. The Canaligator Cafes located on either side of the ballpark offer your standard fare, with the menu anchored by burgers, hot dogs and pizza slices. Chicken parm sandwiches, steak and cheese subs, and sausage and pepper sandwiches round out the offerings. All the usual sides can be found here, including fries that can be smothered with chili and cheese. Kids meals containing either a burger or chicken tenders, apple slices or chips and a drink are available for the younger fans in attendance. Items can be combined into a combo meal to save a few dollars. Healthy options including grilled chicken salads, wraps, veggie burgers, apple slices and fruit juice are sold at the large stands. Portable stands located all over the concourse add variety to the menu with items including monster dogs, premium burgers and loaded nachos. Thirsty Spinner fans can select from assorted Coca-Cola products. There is a large selection of adult beverages from national beers (Coors Light, Miller Lite, Heineken, Blue Moon, Corona) to local favorites (Sam Adams, Harpoon, Narragansett) sold in both cans and draft. Wine and Sangria are sold at the tiki hut in right field. Fans looking for something a little different should check out the Home Plate BBQ, which features an all you can eat buffet starting 90 minutes before first pitch and lasting until the game starts. For $31.50 fans can enjoy a menu featuring ribs, pulled pork, BBQ chicken, burgers, dogs and more in a private space underneath the concourse. Children 12 and under enjoy a five dollar discount. Atmosphere 4 Whether or not you enjoy the game day experience at LeLacheur Park may depend entirely on your age. One thing is for sure, the Spinners’ staff certainly do try. They try hard, very hard. That may be their biggest problem. The game is almost an afterthought at LeLacheur Park. There are sound effects, video clips, PA announcements, and exhortations for fans to clap their hands and/or stomp their feet all game long. For the many children in the stands these distractions from the action are welcome. The aluminum stands at LeLacheur Park are perfect for jumping up and down and making lots of noise. There is a contest or giveaway between every half inning, including several t-shirt tosses, sing-alongs, and most famously, the rubber chicken toss, during which several rubber chickens are tossed into the stands. For many Spinner fans, this is the highlight of the evening’s shenanigans, and has become synonymous with the Spinners. Located beyond the left field stands is Swamp Land, an area filled with several slides, inflatables, and other attractions for the younger Spinners fans. The Spinners feature an extensive promotional schedule, featuring many giveaways and theme nights. Several bobbleheads are given out every year, featuring Spinners alumni and local residents such as Jack Kerowac, Stephen King, and Jay Leno. Theme nights such as Parrot Head night, Princess night, and Super Hero night are always popular, as are nights honoring the local major league teams. Annual visits from members of the Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots always draw large crowds. There are tables set up all along the concourse for sponsors, magicians and musicians performing throughout the evening, and auctions for team memorabilia. Even the ushers get in on the action, dancing on dugouts or racing each other on the field. The Spinners employ three mascots, Canaligator, Allie Gator and Millie Gator who roam the stands entertaining fans. There is plenty to do and see at LeLacheur Park. Neighborhood 3 LeLacheur Park is located adjacent to several university buildings on the UMass Lowell campus in downtown Lowell, as is the Tsongas Center , home of the UMass Lowell hockey team. As is the case with many industrial cities of the north, the boon that brought prosperity to these cities faded, and with it went many jobs and a great deal of money. During this time, the city of Lowell obtained a reputation as a violent, crime-ridden city, best to be avoided. Recent decades have been kinder to Lowell, and there has been a growth in business, cultural, and educational development in the city. Statistically, Lowell is safer than many other New England cities of similar size but unfortunately, Lowell’s bad reputation lingers to this day. The city of Lowell was a major center for manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. As a result of this rich history, Lowell contains many buildings of historical significance, several of which have been preserved by the National Park Service and remain in use today as the Lowell National Historical Park. Fans arriving early to LeLacheur Park can walk along the Riverwalk and observe some of the rapids that powered the old mills. Fans of American literature should be sure to check out the memorial for native son Jack Kerowac, located within the park. The area around LeLacheur Park has seen a great deal of development since the opening of the ballpark, but it hasn’t resulted in increased dining or lodging options for visiting fans. Fans looking for a place to gather before or after a game for a bite to eat or (more specifically) a drink will be pleased to find Beer Works located in one of the old mills about a block from LeLacheur Park. Beer Works is known for their impressive lineup of craft beers. It’s a must-try for those fans who enjoy sampling some local flavor along with their sporting journeys. Fans 4 For many seasons early on in the Spinners’ history, the team sold out LeLacheur Park for entire seasons. Unfortunately, attendance in Lowell has been in a steady decline over the past decade. Despite this, the team continues to rank in the top five of the New York-Penn League annually. LeLacheur Park’s proximity to Fenway Park (30 miles separate the two ballparks) guarantees that the fans in attendance will be very knowledgeable about the players on the team. The Red Sox fan base is one of the most dedicated you will find anywhere, and this passion trickles down all the way to the Spinners, the team’s Short Season Single A affiliate. Access 3 While hardly a destination city in its own right, Lowell’s proximity to Boston makes it an easy stop for baseball fans traveling in the area. Lowell is located 25 miles northwest of Boston, served by the Lowell Connector off of Interstate 495, a short drive from both Interstate 95 and Route 3. Parking is plentiful near the ballpark, with a few small surface lots and a decent sized parking garage located nearby. Fans willing to walk a few blocks can find plenty of on-street parking as well. While Lowell is served by both Amtrak and Greyhound, driving is the most efficient and most popular way to arrive at LeLacheur Park. There is a small entry plaza at LeLacheur Park where the ticket booths and team store are located. Fans will climb a set of stairs to arrive on the concourse, which stretches from the right field foul pole to medium left field. Except for an area behind home plate, the field is visible from all points on the concourse. The seating bowl consists mainly of individual green folding plastic stadium seats, except for some bleacher seating in the furthest sections from home which serve as general admission seating. There is a kids’ play area beyond the end of the stands in deep left field. To avoid watching the action through nets, select seats far down either baseline. As is the case with many ballparks in the northeast, crowds at LeLacheur Park move around quite a bit during the course of the game, and the small concourse can get very crowded at times. Two pairs of bathrooms are open for Spinners games, and they are adequate for a typical Lowell crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Lowell Spinners games are sold in three tiers: Premium Seats for ten dollars, Box Seats for nine dollars and Reserved Bleacher Seating for seven dollars. With the high demand for Spinners tickets, Standing Room seats are offered for six dollars. Waiting for game day to buy your tickets will add $2.50 to your total. Remember to ask for the AAA discount if you are a member. Parking in the garage adjacent to LeLacheur Park, as well as on the streets surrounding the ballpark, will cost you five dollars. Concession prices are comparable to other parks in the area, making a night at the ballpark in Lowell an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 3 Extra points are awarded for the Spinners’ strong connection to the nearby parent club in Boston. Features from Fenway Park such as the old Hood Milk Jug in center field, the Red Sox retired numbers hanging on the right field fence and the display of former Spinners to make it to the Major Leagues just reinforce that relationship. Red Sox souvenirs are sold in the team store, and the majority of the fans in the stands wear Sox gear. Another extra point is awarded for the sense of fun and fan first attitude prevalent at LeLacheur Park. It appears as if the staff here really enjoy their jobs, and share their sense of fun with the fans. Final Thoughts The partnership between NY-Penn League teams and NCAA teams has been successful in many other cities (see Joseph Bruno Stadium in Troy, NY and Medlar Field in State College, PA). It’s a natural fit, as the seasons do not overlap, and it increases the amount of dates that a given stadium can be in use. With LeLacheur Field owned and operated by UMass Lowell, having the Spinners and River Hawks share a stadium is a natural fit. The Spinners’ proximity to Boston guarantees great support and a fun atmosphere, and has helped make LeLacheur Park a very popular destination for baseball fans traveling through the northeast. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Jared Goodman and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 AirHogs Stadium 1651 Lone Star Pkwy Grand Prairie, TX 75050 Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 5,445 Taking Flight in Grand Prairie EDITOR'S NOTE: AirHogs Stadium transitioned to a major league cricket ground in 2023. The Texas AirHogs compete in the independent American Association and play their home games at AirHogs Stadium in Grand Prairie, Texas. Both the ballpark and the team itself are inspired by the aviation industry, which has a long history in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Nearby Fort Worth is currently home to the headquarters of both Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Bell Helicopters, while the former operates a Missiles and Fire Control center in Grand Prairie. “AirHogs” is a slang-term used by the military to classify individuals who demand more than their fair share of flying missions. The team, originally the Grand Prairie AirHogs, merged with a franchise from Amarillo in 2016 and split home games between the two cities. During this tenure, the team adopted the Texas moniker; when they returned to Grand Prairie full-time the following season, the name stuck. Food & Beverage 3 There are several concessions located on the main concourse and most of them serve your typical ballpark food. Down the first base side, gourmet cinnamon rolls are available at the Cinnaholic stand. The national chain offers AirHogs fans four different options, including banana, caramel, cream cheese, and berry-flavored cinnamon rolls that cost $7 each. Atmosphere 3 The aviation theme is prevalent throughout the ballpark and tin metal seems to be the predominant décor choice. The suites, along with the large roof, overhang the main seating bowl and provide much-needed shade from the Texas heat. Fans who would like to eat and enjoy the game at the same time can do just that by utilizing one of the park’s many picnic tables. A small artificial grass-covered party area is located behind the bullpen on the third base side and features a few games, including corn hole. However, the area seems to be a magnet for foul balls, so watch out! Kids have two choices of entertainment besides the game. First, there’s the 17,000 square-foot Wide World of Parks Kids Zone on the first base side. This area includes a jungle gym, as well as other playground activities. The second option is a swimming pool in right field that enables folks to cool down during hot summer days. Pay attention though: the pool juts into the outfield, so it’s not uncommon for home runs to land in the pool. Neighborhood 3 Grand Prairie is a few miles south of the DFW airport and is almost equidistant from Dallas and Fort Worth. Dallas, by far, has more things to see and do, including The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Reunion Tower and the George W. Bush Library and Museum. Fort Worth, on the other hand, is home to the world-famous Stockyards, as well as a branch of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Nearby Arlington is jam-packed with entertainment options, from Six Flags Over Texas to taking in a Rangers game at Globe Life Park . AT&T Stadium , home of the NFL’s Cowboys, is also available for tours year-round. Texas-born Whataburger is the closest restaurant to the ballpark and makes for a fantastic pre or post game meal. Whataburger is an institution for Texans and well-worth a stop if you’ve never been. Fans 1 Due in part to their location in an over-saturated market, the AirHogs do not draw real crowds during games. The major league Texas Rangers play just down the road in Arlington, while their Double-A affiliate is located in nearby Frisco. It’s almost a crime that the AirHogs consistently rank near the bottom of American Association attendance charts, as the stadium is by no-means old or shabby. In fact, if the ballpark were home to a minor league team, it could easily be classified as a Double-A caliber facility. The venue is both affordable and has all of the amenities that would enable it to earn that title. Access 5 AirHogs Stadium is located in Lone Star Park just off I-30 on Belt Line Road in Grand Prairie, about 15 miles west of downtown Dallas. Arlington, home of MLB’s Texas Rangers, is just 7 miles away and Fort Worth is 20 miles to the west. There’s ample free parking available both in front of and behind the stadium. Since AirHogs games are not heavily attended, you’ll have no trouble at all moving around the ballpark between your seats, the restrooms, and the concessions. There will also be little to no traffic out on the roads, barring any major events at the nearby horse track or amphitheatre. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets are $8 and since the stadium never fills up, there’s no reason whatsoever to upgrade to a $12 reserved seat. Parking is free, leaving concessions as the only other game day cost. Overall, a family of four can enjoy a night of baseball in Texas for around $70. Extras 3 One bonus point for the unique hangar and runway design of the exterior. Another bonus point for the ample shade provided, and a final point for the swimming pool behind right-center field. Final Thoughts While it’s unfortunate that AirHogs games aren’t attended by more fans, there’s no denying that the ballpark is top-of-its-class and is undoubtedly a must-visit for sports fans in the Metroplex.

Photos by Ryan Norris, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Papa Murphy’s Park 1600 Exposition Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95815 Sacramento Republic FC website Papa Murphy’s Park website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 11,442 Sacramento’s Republic Sacramento has long been rumored as an expansion possibility for Major League Soccer (MLS). In their brief existence they are making quite the impression both on the field and at the box office. However, recent trends tend to put Sacramento behind other cities like Phoenix, St. Louis, Charlotte, and Indianapolis as possible MLS sites. Sacramento Republic FC was founded in 2012 and began play in the United Soccer League (USL) in 2014, winning the championship that very first year. While the pitch was constructed on the other side of the American River at the Cal Expo, the Republic played their first few home games at Hughes Stadium on the campus of Sacramento City College. Papa Murphy’s Park is located on the Cal Expo which main function is to host the annual California State Fair. Because of this, there are remnants of fairs past throughout the area. Bonney Field was built in 2014 and after just one successful season it was expanded by nearly 4,000 seats to its current capacity of 11,442. Food & Beverage 4 Sticking with the theme of a state fair, much of the food offerings are in that vein. Hot dogs, nachos and other typical stadium foods are available alongside faire staples such as anything deep-fried and greasy. Most popular on hot Sacramento days are the slushie and ice cream stands, where the lines can snake throughout the concourses. The most popular macro beers seem to be Tecate and Coors Light and you can find those throughout the stadium. If you’re looking for craft or local beers, head behind the west sideline stands for the more popular craft selections plus some local offerings from New Helvetia, Knee Deep and Rubicon breweries. I’m not the biggest fan of the fried offerings of fair food so what separates stadium’s offerings for me is the outsourced food trucks that seem to rotate on throughout the season. These local trucks offer anything from salads to crab sandwiches and from tacos to grilled cheese and tater tots. Atmosphere 3 Papa Murphy’s Park is still coming into its own on this front. Ultimately, the stadium maximizes its current capabilities and is impressive in that it was built so quickly and is evolving with the growing needs of the fan base. It is also unique in that it is within Cal Expo, with a working (only during the State Fair) monorail track running throughout the facility and views of the adjacent Raging Waters waterpark. The soccer venue consists of bleachers on three sides plus an end line VIP section. The bleachers include backless and backed seating depending on section. While the backs and sides of the bleacher base are covered with Republic logos and sponsors, fans must walk under the bleachers to reach their seats. In the supporters section, the metal bleachers are often stomped on which creates a minimal amount of noise on the pitch but is excruciatingly loud when walking underneath. There are two large screens that display live game action, the score and the running clock. They seem like they are something in between a large television and a traditional video board. They seem somewhat temporary but serve their purpose well. Neighborhood 4 The immediate neighborhood surrounding Cal Expo is largely residential mixed with strip malls. The area is not terribly walkable because of distance between locales, driving or other forms of transportation is a must. The Arden Fair Mall is directly adjacent to Cal Expo which includes chain restaurants such as Olive Garden, The Cheesecake Factory and In-N-Out Burger. Local options include Taro’s for sushi, Cask & Barrel for southern and Maggiano’s for Italian. For a taste of the local craft beer offerings try Capitol Beer & Taproom where they have draft and bottled offerings from around Northern California and beyond. Twelve Rounds Brewing in East Sacramento is the nearest brewery to Bonney Field. Field House is the nearest sports bar which offers brunch, bar bites and beer. There are a few hotels walking distance to Cal Expo including a Fairfield Inn and a Courtyard Suites. If you’re willing to explore beyond the immediate neighborhood, check out the Midtown and Downtown Sacramento neighborhoods, five to eight miles away. Fans 4 Republic fans have shown up in droves since the very first game, forcing a Papa Murphy’s Park expansion after just one year. Sacramento seems to be an excellent professional soccer market because of its size and demographics plus the fact that there is little competition for the sports dollar outside of the Kings and River Cats . My hope is that the passion for the Republic continues and they eventually make their way to MLS and a natural rivalry is fostered between them and the San Jose Earthquakes . The Tower Bridge Battalion is the supporters group for Republic FC. They are a rambunctious group that stands and chants throughout the match in sections 1 and 2. The Republic fan base, while without much history, is very passionate. In the coming years, I can see a growing passion reminiscent of the love affair Sacramento had with the Kings in the early 2000s. Access 3 Cal Expo and Papa Murphy’s Park is located very near interstates 80 and 50. Interstate 80 is the main thoroughfare that connects the Bay Area to Sacramento and beyond to Reno. The surface streets getting into the parking lot are well-marked and easy to navigate. Unfortunately the way the parking lot is set up and where the entrance to the stadium is located, you’ll be traveling on foot for a while after you park. Though Sacramento has a light rail service, it doesn’t service this part of the city well. City buses are available as well as bicycle parking. Keeping with the state fair theme, restrooms are either housed in temporary buildings or are porta-potties. They are plentiful and relatively clean. The stadium is easy to get around as the concourses behind the stands are plenty wide to move through the crowds. Unfortunately you can’t see any of the action without a view of the field or very many screens showing the live action. You can nearly make a full circle around the venue with the exception of the VIP area. The one bummer is that if you need to get to the team store or craft beer stand on the west side of the stadium and you’re seated on the east side nearest the VIP section, a destination 100 yards away can take 10 or more minutes to get to. Return on Investment 3 The least expensive ticket is in the general admission supporters section for $13. Since the Republic have a fan base that sells out most games, the secondary market can be much higher than that. Parking is easy to access, albeit far from the stadium, and is an affordable $10. Concession prices are in line with the expectation of any other professional venue. Republic games are a no-frills experience but the pricing seems to be in line with an elevated stadium experience. Luckily, the quality of play and the fans counter this a bit. Extras 1 I respect that they put up Papa Murphy’s Park so quickly and made the soccer match the main event at Papa Murphy’s Stadium However, because of the stadium seems somewhat temporary with a strange fair-like vibe to it. While the monorail and waterslides are charming, the Republic don’t have a vast history to pay homage. What’s clear is that the Republic and the city of Sacramento are intent on improving their team and their stadium. I’m excited to see what comes of the game day experience in one, two and ten years. Final Thoughts Sacramento has thrown its hat into the ring as a viable soccer market and perhaps one day the home to an MLS side. However, the soccer-specific venue is highly enjoyable serving as the home of a USL Championship side. The modern venue with its passionate fan base and lively game atmosphere reminds people that soccer is alive and growing here in the United States.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Herr-Baker Field 980 E Division St Fond du Lac, WI 54935 Map It Fond du Lac Dock Spiders website Herr-Baker Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 2,000 Dairyland Baseball The Dock Spiders are a hidden gem in the vast Wisconsin sports world. With Milwaukee just an hour south and the racing mecca of Road America  just thirty minutes east, the town of Fond du Lac finds itself nestled on the shores of Lake Winnebago. Here, you can find baseball in the form of the 2018 Northwoods League championship-winning Dock Spiders. With a simple stadium that features clean sightlines and cozy touches, you’re sure to find a great spot for watching America’s pastime.   Food & Beverage   4 There are several options for food and drinks at Dock Spiders games. Home Plate Cantina features nachos ($5-$11.25) and walking tacos ($9), as well as mixed liquor drinks ($5-$10). Above the seats in left field is the Drink Shanty, where you can find beer ($6-$8) and sodas ($3) at affordable prices. Water is also sold at the Drink Shanty for $3.50, along with assorted snacks at $5 each (peanuts and popcorn). The main concession stand is the Festival Foods Grill – here you can find a wide array of options. Pizza ($5), brats ($5.50), hot dogs ($4.50), burgers ($6-$7.50), chicken tender baskets ($11), and pulled pork sandwiches ($7.25) are all on the menu, as are waffle fries ($4), helmet cheese fries ($6.50), cheese curds ($6.50), jumbo pretzels ($4.50), and helmet mac ‘n cheese with BBQ pulled pork ($7.50). Snacks and drinks are also plentiful, including beer served in souvenir bats for $15.   Atmosphere   4 Located next to the campus of Marian University, the stadium itself is simple in design. Reminiscent of some D1 college stadiums and other minor and independent league fields, Herr-Baker Field features five separate seating sections. On top of that, the main concession stand is under a covered area, meaning waiting in line during those hot summer days won’t be a miserable time, since you’re in the shade. There is a sizable team store under the seats in left field, and right field features a respectable kids' play area with inflatables for the youngest fans. The scoreboards feature both video replay and traditional scoring options, but the best view may be from the patio on the Rooftop Picnic Deck, offering elevated views and great seating options.   Neighborhood   4 The area around Fond du Lac is exactly what you would expect to find in rural Wisconsin – rolling hills, farmland, forests, and small towns. While it lacks the variety and quantity of a large city, you could do way worse in your rural travels. The town of Fond du Lac is quintessential Americana, with a traditional Main Street downtown district as well as a large park along Lake Winnebago, which features fishing and boating as well as sports fields and picnic spots. Hotels are plentiful nearby, with Hampton Inn and historic Hotel Retlaw your best bets. If you’re looking for something to eat, the area also has a wide variety of restaurants, from Buffalo Wild Wings (which hosts Dock Spider watch parties for the team’s away games) to McDonald’s. For those looking for something else to see and do, the Kettle-Moraine State Forest is not far from the town, providing some great hiking options. In addition, the Kohler factory is in nearby Sheboygan, and Road America  is just thirty minutes east.   Fans   3 The fans at Dock Spider games are mostly locals; they’ve embraced their team with full hearts. and fill the seats on most nights. While the stadium isn’t that large to begin with, the fans can bring the noise when needed. That said, it is a more relaxed atmosphere than some sports venues you may have visited, so if you’re looking for a loud and rowdy stadium experience, you’ll be a bit let down here. Don’t let that detract from the enjoyment of the game, however, as it also means your fellow fans are kind and courteous, always welcoming, and open to casual conversation.   Access   3 To get to Herr-Baker Field, the best route is along Route 23. Once you enter the east side of Fond du Lac, you can drive south on Prairie Road until you arrive at the front gate for Herr-Baker Field. Parking is plentiful all around the streets of Marian University just outside the stadium, so get there early if you want to walk a shorter distance.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are incredibly affordable for Dock Spider games, starting at just $12 for bleachers and $14 for box seats, and you can upgrade to patio tables for four at $150 (total), or VIP Suites for $532. All-you-can-eat seats are also available for fans at various games, and giveaway and theme nights are fairly common with the Dock Spiders.   Extras   3 The main entrance features a large display case of baseball history in the Fond du Lac area. Here you can discover the history behind the team and the stadium, as well as some famous players who have come through town. The right field area features a kids play area, while left field features the Rounding Third beer garden. Fans can also sit for a photo in the oversized wood chair outside the main gate, which features the Dock Spiders logo.   Final Thoughts The Dock Spiders are a great option for baseball fans in Wisconsin who want a truly family-friendly atmosphere, with affordable ticket and food options. Located in a beautiful part of the state along Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac is also a quaint town with many options for fans who want to stay the night and explore the area around them.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Cross Insurance Arena 1 Civic Center Square Portland, ME 04012 Maine Mariners website Cross Insurance Arena website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 6,200 Turn the Tide The southern Maine city of Portland has long been a year-round minor-league sports town, and was named by Sports Business Journal as the top minor league market of 2024. Through the spring and summer months the city’s sports attention is dominated by the Portland Sea Dogs (MiLB), but a lot of excitement also surrounds the start of professional soccer here in Spring 2024, with the Maine Hearts of Pine in USL One. In addition, from the fall and throughout the winter, fans seek safe harbor from Maine’s brutal winters at the Portland Exposition Building for Maine Celtics  (G League) basketball, as well as across town at Cross Insurance Arena for the Maine Mariners of the ECHL. The original Maine Mariners (AHL) began play in 1977 at the newly built (at the time) Cumberland County Civic Center, quickly capturing the attention of Maine’s largest city. As the top affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers , the Mariners wasted no time making their mark, winning the Calder Cup in their first two seasons (1977-78 and 1978-79) and adding a third championship in 1983-84. The Flyers sold the Mariners to the New Jersey Devils  the following year, but this partnership was brief, as the team was soon sold to the Boston Bruins , sparking excitement among local fans. However, the franchise moved to Providence  in 1992, leaving Portland without a hockey team for the 1992-93 season. AHL hockey returned to Portland in 1993 with the Portland Pirates – the Pirates, much like the Mariners, achieved instant success, winning the Calder Cup in their inaugural season (1993-94). Over the next 23 seasons, the Pirates cycled through various NHL affiliations. Despite their early success, however, the team struggled with declining attendance and a contentious lease dispute. Ultimately, the franchise was sold and relocated to Springfield, Massachusetts, becoming the Springfield Thunderbirds , leaving behind a storied hockey legacy in Portland. This would mark the end of AHL hockey in Portland, but the absence of professional hockey would last just one season – the void would be filled by a new incarnation of the Maine Mariners to the delight of many locals, who understood the connection with Portland’s hockey history.   Food & Beverage   3 The usual collection pizza slices, hot dogs, popcorn, and pretzels are widely available throughout Cross Insurance Arena. Burgers and fries are also on the menu, as is the carnival favorite, fried dough with powdered sugar. In addition, the “Local Flavah Farmstand” does have a handful of locally sourced items which include a steak and cheese sandwich, honey chipotle bacon burger, and the area’s French-Canadian influenced tater-tot poutine that comes served in a miniature goalie mask. The Maine classic Whoopie pies come in both traditional chocolate and gluten free carrot cake, while beverages available include Gatorade, bottled water, and a full selection of bottled Pepsi products. Craft beer enthusiasts will be treated to an extensive menu of some of Maine’s finest – Portland brewer Lone Pine has created a Maine Mariners branded Sessions Ale. Also featured are crafts from Definitive Brewing, Orono Brewing Company, and Nonesuch River Brewing. Typical national brands are also available, but in large part are ignored. For those who are not fans of beer, there still is a large selection of vodka seltzers, pre-mixed cocktails, wine, and cider choices, as well as even a pair of signature cocktails in the main lobby area. For fans of craft beer, though, Cross Insurance Arena might be one of the top destinations at any level, with no less than thirteen different beers available. Food options are not nearly as impressive, but sufficient for basic arena food needs.   Atmosphere   3 Cross Insurance Arena is a cozy venue for hockey, small enough where just about any seat keep fans on top of the action on the ice, and with seats roomy enough that each fan has plenty of room. The building was built in the 1970s, when suites and luxury boxes were not a consideration, especially at the minor league level. As the arena aged and amenities became more of a necessity than a luxury, however, renovations saw three levels of suites built into the corners at one end of the arena – due to nearby support structures these do seem awkwardly placed. Both ends of the rink also have ice level lounges that add some premium seating options. Seats to be wary of are those along the aisles in the first few rows of the upper tier seating, and the handrails along the stair landings do significantly obstruct views of the ice. A four-sided scoreboard hangs over center ice and serves to stream the game and provide basic game information: time left in the period, shots on goal, score, and time left on power-plays. As has become the norm throughout much of in-game entertainment, an in-game host prompts fans with trivia contests, seat upgrades, and fan cams during stoppages in play. The first intermission is filled with junior hockey players scrimmaging at each end of the ice, while the second intermission features “Chuck-a-Puck”, where fans can purchase pucks to toss on the ice – if they land on the target the thrower can win prizes. Also, in what seemingly has become a de facto sports anthem in New England, fans sing “Sweet Caroline” to kick off the third period.   Neighborhood   5 Cross Insurance Arena is on the Portland peninsula, where the city’s arts district transitions to the Old Port, known for its shops, restaurants, nightlife, and high density of hotels. Portland is also known as one of the most beer friendly cities in the country – while Portland has over 20 breweries, the Old Port is highlighted by Shipyard Brewing and Gritty McDuff’s, both within walking distance. Alternatively, if finding nighttime entertainment following the game is more the goal, the bars of the Old Port are a popular stop. Maine winters definitely impact the overall frivolity of the neighborhood, however, moving much of the entertainment indoors. Though Portland is well known for high end dining , native Portlanders would likely point to better kept secrets for the real local tastes. One of the worst kept secrets in town is the breakfast menu at Becky’s Diner on Hobson’s Wharf, which commonly has lines out the door. In addition, though a bit touristy, DiMillo’s floating restaurant on Long Wharf has been a fixture of seafood dining in this area for nearly five decades. Or, if a quick bite on the go is more the need, Amato’s on India Street is the home of the “Real Italian” sandwich. Portland and the surrounding area are also rich in historic points of interest; within walking distance are Victoria Mansion and the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House, and across Portland Harbor in nearby Cape Elizabeth is the iconic Portland Headlight, which is the most photographed lighthouse in the world.   Fans   4 Portland is a city that gets behind their teams, and the Mariners’ affiliation with the Boston Bruins  helps draw out a bit more of the local interest and regional enthusiasm and pride. The Mariners typically find themselves in the middle of the pack when it comes to overall attendance, however, ranging from four to five thousand per game. Fans at Cross Insurance Arena are actively and organically engaged in the game, commonly starting up chants of “Let’s Go Mariners!” with no prompting. They are also cognizant of good hockey plays that might go unnoticed by less well-versed fans – big hits, clearing the zone during power plays, or simple hustle plays are commonly, and rightfully, applauded. No conversation of hockey fans in Portland would be complete without mentioning one of its most beloved hockey fans, Raymond “Switchboard” Dudley; anyone familiar with professional hockey in Portland surely has a memory of Switchboard. Dudley’s fandom earned him enshrinement as one of nineteen members of the Portland Pirates’ Hall of Fame, and upon his passing during the 2024 season, Switchboard’s seat was adorned with flowers, cards, and other trinkets in his memory. It is the dedication of fans like Dudley and those who recognize how his presence helps make the experience special, as well as the appreciation this fanbase as a whole has for their hometown team, that makes hockey at Cross Insurance Arena so special.   Access   4 Portland is a fairly easy city to navigate; not much is far away from one point to another. The city also has a serviceable bus system for those coming from areas outside of downtown, and with such a large concentration of hotels in downtown Portland, simply walking to the Cross Insurance Arena certainly could be a possibility for those visiting from out of town. For those driving, there is plenty of parking around the area, the most convenient being Spring Street garage which is practically attached to the arena. There is also a fair amount of street parking nearby; note that meters must be paid Mondays – Saturdays until 6 pm. Cross Insurance Arena has three entry points, one at the corner of Spring and Center Streets, plus a main lobby that is accessible from both Spring and Free Streets, which pass on each side of the arena – the lobby entry is a bit more popular as it provides shelter from the elements. However, once passing through security just inside the lobby, fans do tend to congregate as they wait for others; adding in a handful of promotional tables, as well as beer carts and concessions, the entry does become a bit congested. The concourses here are rather narrow, when considering the normal flow of fans and along with concession lines during pre-game and intermissions. For the most part, though, fans stay in their seats during play, which does help alleviate overly crowded walkways.   Return on Investment   4 Ticket prices do seem reasonable; seats in the far end where the Mariners will be on offense once start at $19, but what ends up being a downer are the Ticketmaster fees that are added on, making a $19 ticket quickly become $37. The secondary market does have a slightly less expensive base price, but there are still fees to consider. On the plus side Saturday night games can be purchased for just $8, and if you are able to get to the box office ahead of time, you can avoid the Ticketmaster fees. Parking in the adjacent garage runs $15, also a bit high, but the availability of street parking for early birds will just run the going meter rates, which currently are not more than $2.50 per hour. Inside the arena, concession prices are subject to typical stadium markups, so the high costs for food and drinks are not much of a surprise. There are opportunities to get into several games with highly discounted tickets, however.   Extras   3 Cross Insurance Arena pays tribute to the accomplishments of the AHL teams that previously played there – banners recognizing the four Calder Cups, three won by the original Mariners (‘78, ‘79, and ‘84) and the last by the Pirates (‘94), are proudly displayed from the rafters. The Mariners obviously consider the overall fan experience that accompanies the game; mascot Beacon, a puffin, makes its way through the stands stopping for photos and interacting with fans during stoppages in play. Also, during the first period players not dressed out sign autographs for fans in the main lobby. Just off the main lobby of Cross Insurance Arena is the Saco & Biddeford Savings Hall of Fame Lounge – this lounge recognizes Portland’s previous professional hockey teams and their division and league championships, along with major events to have come through the then civic center.   Final Thoughts Attempts to build a new arena in Portland in the early 2000s never came to fruition, as city and county officials were never able to come to a consensus on funding; the debate left the city with a facility that was quickly becoming obsolete. By the time the future of Cross Insurance Arena was decided, the only option was to renovate a facility which had limited options for significant expansion. For hockey, Cross Insurance Arena is fine – its limitations do not necessarily take away from the overall experience, so the facility and amenities create a cozy hockey atmosphere. While several arenas around the league might be much more impressive with their size, amenities, and overall awe factor, the atmosphere can easily get lost in a larger venues that might only be half full, even with larger crowds; Cross Insurance Arena’s smaller size helps to create more of an air of excitement, and an environment that easily engages fans.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Providence Park 1844 SW Morrison Portland, OR 97220 Portland Thorns Providence Park Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 25,218 Onward In Rose City Portland is a soccer city. Without a doubt, the surge in the sport’s popularity in America in the 2010s can partly be attributed to the city and its supporters. The years of success have cultivated a culture in Portland that loves the sport and continues to grow its fan base as the years go on. Part of this success comes in the form of the Portland Thorns. While women’s professional soccer has struggled outside of the USA National Team at times, the Thorns have thrived. The team has two championships, play in the home of the Timbers , pack the stands every night, and now hold the NWSL single-game attendance record, with over 21,000 fans watching women play professional soccer at one time. Food & Beverage 4 Food and drinks at Providence Park are exceptional, but the prices tend to be on the higher end for sports stadiums. There is a wide variety of options, however, something one would expect a sports stadium in Portland to have. Chicken tinga tacos ($10), hot dogs ($6.75), nachos ($7.75), chicken tenders ($14), ice cream ($5), tater tots ($6), BBQ brisket sandwiches ($16), and many more options greet fans in the concourses of Providence Park. Drinks include soda ($6.50), water ($5.25), coffee ($4-$6), beer ($9.50-$12), wine ($13), kombucha ($11.50), and more. Atmosphere 5 During Portland Thorns games, the stadium itself remains almost unchanged from its MLS layout. The grandstands are all open, save for a few upper deck sections covered by small sponsor tarps, but the remainder of the seats, suites, and stands are packed full of fans night in and night out. Every concessions stand and team store booth that is open during a Portland Timbers game is also open during Thorns matches. Fans cheer with every goal, and smoke fills the end zone whenever they score. The facilities are clean, plentiful, and you never have to wait longer than needed. Indeed, for the uninitiated it would be hard to distinguish a Timbers game from a Thorns game save for the team colors and crowd size – the noise is the same, and the experience is almost mirrored to what you see for the men’s squad. This is easily one of the top stadiums in women’s professional soccer in America. Recently, the newly expanded seating on the east side of the stadium expanded the options for fans with three levels of seating. Neighborhood 5 Providence Park is located right in the middle of shopping, dining, and everything Portland. Like the majority of the city, the stadium is within walking distance to anything you want. Situated in the historic Alphabet District, this soccer stadium is perfect for those who also like to enjoy the city in which it is located. Just blocks away from the stadium are Park Lake Suites & Inn and Hotel deLuxe. Blue Star Donuts, Von Ebert Brewing, Multnomah Whiskey Library, TILT, and countless more restaurants are also nearby to satisfy every palate possible. If you are looking for something to do, Portland has it. You are only a few hours away from Mt. Hood and the beautiful national park scenery, as well as the Columbia River Gorge. You are also not far from the International Rose Test Garden and the Pittock Mansion. Fans 5 Anytime a team holds its respective league’s single-game attendance record, you know the fans are loyal. The Thorn faithful turn out in droves every single game; rain or shine, cold or hot, the stadium is sure to be packed. The north end zone is where the fan zone is located. Here, the Rose City Riveters sing, chant, and yell the entire game. Whenever a Portland goal is scored the Riveters erupt, with red smoke filling the air. The rest of the fans in the stadium are also as passionate about the Thorns as possible. Each fan seems to have a favorite player, and they know the team better than anyone else. The stadium is also filled with the youngest fans, as families find Thorns games perfect for bringing the kids for a night out in Oregon. Access 3 The biggest downfall at Providence Park is the lack of on-site parking. The venue does not feature a parking garage or any official parking lots, as it is located literally right in the middle of a commercial and residential neighborhood. However, various parking lots in the area offer their spaces up to fans attending games. The big push here in Portland is the use of public transportation – several bus lines take you right to the stadium’s neighborhood. In addition, many fans choose to make a night of their game visit, spending the afternoon and evening shopping and eating at local restaurants before walking to the game. Getting to the stadium is easy, as signs help direct you to the facility when you exit off I-405. Providence Park itself is located mere blocks from the highway, just off W. Burnside Street. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Portland Thorns games start as low as just $10 and can be purchased for under $30 right next to the pitch. This is extremely low for professional sports, let alone professional soccer, and means you can take the whole family to the game for less than $50 on a regular night. Parking is also generally affordable nearby, with the option of using public transportation taking even more off the top of your game day costs. Extras 4 The Thorns have a ceremony after games, where young fans are chosen to present a rose to each goal scorer on the field. The stadium also has banners for both the Portland Thorns and Timbers hanging in the rafters, helping to honor the team’s history. Some games also feature post-game autograph sessions on the field, offering fans the chance to get up close and meet some of their sports heroes. In addition, the stadium features a fan tailgating area in one of the parking lots nearby, which serves as the perfect place for fans to gather during pre-game and hang out before heading into Providence Park. Final Thoughts Though one may forget about women’s professional soccer when thinking about Portland, it is indeed part of the very sporting fabric of the city. The Portland Thorns squad is a team that has a history of success, is one of the most popular sports franchises in this metropolitan center, and has a bright future. Indeed, going to a Portland Thorns game seems wholly required when visiting the Rose City. If watching what in other cities may seem an obscure sport, in a stadium that fully embraces and celebrates it, isn’t part of what keeps Portland weird, and in the best of ways, then one cannot possibly imagine what else would.

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Vines Center 1971 University Dr. Lynchburg, VA 24502 Liberty Flames website Vines Center website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 9,547 Fan the Flames The Liberty Flames basketball team currently plays all their home games at the geodesic Vines Center in Lynchburg, Virginia. This multi-purpose venue seats almost 10,000 people and is home to the women’s basketball and the volleyball program. It is also used for more than just sports, hosting convocations as well and other campus events. Nicknamed “The Furnace,” the arena opened in 1990 and has been the faithful home of the Flames for the past 20 years. In 2020, the team expects to move into their new 4,500 seat Liberty Arena next door. But while the 2019-20 season will be Liberty’s last full year playing here, there’s still plenty to see and do at the Vines Center while it’s still being permanently used. Food & Beverage 4 If you’re looking to fill that empty stomach, a visit to the main concession area may be in order. Here you’ll find some filling foods, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, nachos, and even a pizza slice. There are also a few snacks available, like popcorn, chips, and ice cream. Most of these options are priced fairly at $3-$6. Coca-Cola is the primary beverage on tap and you can get one of these chilled sodas for as low as $3. If you’re particularly thirsty, go for the $10 bottomless soda that allows you to refill the cup as many times as you’d like. Bottled water is $2.50. If nothing at the concession stand seems appealing, there are plenty of vending machines on the concourse. These machines are home to sweets and snacks galore, as well as sodas of all kinds. Atmosphere 4 Liberty isn’t that small Big South school any longer. After moving to the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2018, they claimed their first March Madness victory later that season and are now enjoying a period of relative success. The game-day experience at Vines Center reflects this, providing the unique and wild atmosphere that the team deserves. When the Flames’ players make their entrance onto the court, spouts attached to the tunnel entrance shoot fire – flames, if you will. They go off continuously throughout the game and light up after every Flames bucket, appropriately. The student section is the leader of the encouragement. The school band plays at the proper times and the cheerleaders hold up the letters, “F-L-A-M-E-S” on occasion. When the opposing team shoots free throws, the first and last letters are dropped to spell, “L-A-M-E” – just the kind of taunting you’d expect at Liberty. Neighborhood 4 Liberty University is the pulse of Lynchburg. The main drag near the Liberty campus is Wards Road, a haven for big box stores and national restaurant chains. Further away is downtown Lynchburg, where you’ll find a few local eateries and shops, including a bakery called Cinn City. This pastry house is known for its delicious beignets, a type of French doughnut, and might be worth a post-game dessert stop. Jimmy on James, Grey’s, Skyline, The Water Dog are also other great local options in downtown. There’s plenty of lodging near campus as well. While there are a few chain brands within sight of Vines Center, most of the hotel options are a few miles down the road near the Lynchburg City Airport. Fans 2 Vines Center often seems sadly empty. Perhaps the fans only show up for marquee matchups or weekend games, but contests during the non-conference schedule aren’t heavily attended. However, the fans who do show up on a regular basis are very involved in the game and cheer on their Flames throughout the game. One of the contributing factors to the appearance of weak attendance is the fact that the Vines Center is simply too large. It’s understandable that the Flames are moving into a new arena in 2020, which is slated to be half the size of their current home. Access 4 Lynchburg, while not directly connected to the Interstate system, is easily accessible via several major highways. US 29 is the primary north-south route, connecting the city to Charlottesville and I-64 in the north, and Greensboro and I-85/I-40 in the south. US 460 provides easy access to Roanoke in the southwest, linking Lynchburg to I-81. Once on the Liberty campus, there are several free lots to choose from. While they aren’t clearly marked on game days, you can look on Liberty’s website to see about all your parking options in advance. None of the free lots are more than a 15-minute walk away, and it’s a pleasant stroll through the university common to the front door of Vines Center. Once inside the arena, you’ll find the concourse to be easy to navigate and never crowded. The game is also visible from any point in the venue, barring the concession area where your view is blocked. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets are available for $12 and discounted $7 tickets are offered to youth and students from any college. For $17, fans can purchase a ticket in the padded seating section near the center court. However, there’s no real advantage to sitting in this section, so it isn’t wise to spend the extra $5 for tickets here. Concessions are a bit on the pricey side, but parking is free if you’re willing to take a short stroll. Overall, a family of four is looking at around $80 for a day out at the Vines Center. Extras 3 An obvious extra point needs to be awarded for the unique geodesic dome. The trophy case that highlights achievements across Liberty Athletics warrants another point. A final mark is given for the team’s prayer with their opponent after the game. Vine Center Geodesic Dome, Photo by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Liberty is constructing a new 4,500 seat basketball venue directly next to Vines Center that will host Flames’ basketball and volleyball starting in the 2020-21 season. According to the university, Vines will still be used for men’s basketball games that are expected to draw large crowds. Regardless, if you want to see a game under this impressive dome, get out to Lynchburg quickly.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium 550 Taylor Ave Annapolis, MD 21401 Annapolis Blues FC website Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 34,000 A Bay of Blue in Annapolis The Annapolis Blues FC are one of the top soccer clubs in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Part of the fourth division of American soccer, the NPSL mainly features current or recently graduated college players, with a pay structure that allows them to retain their amateur status and continue competing in the NCAA. The Blues play their home games at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, also home to the US Naval Academy's football and lacrosse teams. Food & Beverage 5 There are many different options to eat at Annapolis Blues games. Permanent stands and mobile carts offer similar options to what you would find at Navy football games. Hot dogs, chicken tenders, and burgers are available at the permanent stands, as are popcorn, pretzels, chips, and candy. Soda, bottled water, and beer are available to drink. A mobile cart sells cheesesteaks as well. Were these the only options, this score would not be as high as it is. However, there are additional places to buy food at Annapolis Blues games. The Picante food truck sells burritos, tacos, nachos (with far more toppings than typical stadium ones), chimichangas, quesadillas, and other Mexican food. Chick-fil-A is available at a tent, and Nothing Bundt Cakes sells personal-sized Bundt cakes. Another cart sells ice cream, both in the regular and vegan varieties. Prices at the specialty places can be a bit high, but they are good food so it is worth it. Prices at the permanent stands are lower, but the food is not as good. Atmosphere 5 Although the quality of play on the field at an Annapolis Blues FC game is semi-professional at best, the atmosphere in the stadium is on par with professional games. As in most soccer games, most of the energy comes from the fans (more on that later), but the team does things as well. A pregame hype video shows highlights from previous Blues games and gets the fans ready for the match. There is a lengthy pregame program, honoring a local veteran or fallen soldier, and inviting people (often kids) onto the field for a ceremonial first kick, similar to a first pitch in baseball. After Blues goals, the team will dim and flash the stadium lights in celebration, at least once it gets dark enough for this to have a noticeable effect. It is worth noting that only one side of the lower level is open for Blues games. About 60% of the seats on this side are chairbacks, while 40% are bleacher seating. The bleacher seats are used for the Brigade of Midshipmen during Navy football games, and as they are standing for the whole time, presumably Navy did not consider it worthwhile to install chairback seating here. The lower part of the leftmost section is used for the Supporters Section at Annapolis Blues games, and while they will typically be standing for the entire match, most of the people in the bleachers will be sitting. The Blues attract large crowds, so arrive early if you want a chairback, especially if you have many people in your group. Videoboards are located at either end of the stadium. Neighborhood 5 Annapolis is a small-sized city of about 40,000 people, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. There’s a shopping center located across from the stadium with a few basic restaurants, but you can find far better food a short drive away. Annapolis being located on the Chesapeake Bay, there are plenty of great seafood restaurants nearby, including Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs, The Boatyard Bar & Grill, and the Sailor Oyster Bar, all located within a couple miles of the stadium. If you want an authentic sweet treat after your meal, The Boatyard sells the official state dessert of Maryland, Smith Island Cake, which is made fresh on Smith Island daily and brought up by ferry. The real attraction, though, is the U.S. Naval Academy itself. The grounds are beautiful, and there’s so much history, so be sure to take a tour while you’re in town. Keep in mind, however, that driving onto Academy grounds is prohibited without proper military clearance. Fans can board a shuttle from the parking lot to take them onto Academy grounds. Fans 5 Although attendance is usually not high in the NPSL, the Annapolis Blues are the exception to that rule. They regularly draw over 8,000 fans a game, and have been known to draw over 10,000. At the time of writing, the top eight single game attendances in NPSL history have all been at Annapolis Blues games. The Supporters Section, known as the Bay Bhoys, is located in the lower part of the leftmost section of sideline seats. They will wave flags, bang drums, cheer, and stand the whole game urging the Blues to victory. However, fans in all sections will start chants and cheers, blow horns, and even occasionally wave flags. This is an extremely loud and rowdy crowd. It is the best in the NPSL and it isn't even close. In fact, it is better than the crowds at many professional-level games. Fans will arrive several hours before kickoff and tailgate before the match. They will get on line early, before gates even open, to make sure they get the best seats, as everything is general admission. This kind of dedication is unheard of at this level outside of Blues games. Access 3 Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is located just off U.S. Route 50. Take Exit 24 for Rowe Boulevard, and the stadium is just up ahead. Parking is available in a lot next to the stadium for $15, which is paid by credit card at the entrance. Part of the lot is paved while the remainder is grass. Once inside, it is relatively easy to move around the concourses and other spaces. However, it can get crowded at times. Restrooms are on the concourse and there may occasionally be a wait, especially at halftime when there are larger crowds. That being said, you should be able to get back to your seat by the start of the second half if you leave your seat when the halftime whistle blows. Getting out of the lot can be a challenge at the end of the game, with everyone trying to leave at once through only a couple of exits. However, once you get on Rowe Boulevard, it should be smooth sailing from there. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are just $12 each, with discounts available for youth and groups, and must be purchased online in advance. There is a giant QR code on the marquee outside the stadium to scan to buy tickets if you haven't done so by the time you get to the stadium. However, the $15 for parking is quite steep. The Blues do not control the parking lot or how much it charges, but this is still quite expensive and brings this score down a notch. Concessions are reasonably affordable if you're willing to buy from the permanent stands. The specialty food is more expensive but worth the money. Overall, an Annapolis Blues game is a great value and fun for the whole family. Extras 3 One extra star here for the fantastic crowds. As mentioned above, the Annapolis Blues have the best fans in the NPSL and it isn't even close. They are a major part of why this experience is so good. There is a Kids' Zone in one corner of the stadium. There are several extras here pertaining to the stadium's role as home of the Naval Academy sports teams. Were this a Navy athletic event, we would award each of them their own extra star. This is not, but since the Naval Academy still plays a significant role in the City of Annapolis, we will award one combined extra star for all of them. The walls of the stadium list all the foreign conflicts in which Naval Academy graduates fought. There is also a model of a Blue Angel plane located outside the stadium gate. Final Thoughts A summer evening watching Annapolis Blues FC soccer is one fans are not likely to forget. The experience here is on par with professional stadiums, even if the quality of play on the field is not. The Blues have a fantastic and loyal fan base, and a matchday here has a tremendous atmosphere. Soccer fans in Maryland and the surrounding area will definitely want to check a Blues game out.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Cooper Field 37th St NW & O St. NW Washington, DC 20057 Georgetown Hoyas website Cooper Field website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 3,750 A-Hoya, Mate, it's Georgetown University Field Hockey Located on the campus of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Cooper Field is home to the Hoyas’ field hockey, lacrosse, and football teams. Originally known as Harbin Field and later as Multi-Sport Field, the stadium received its present name in 2015 following a $50 million donation from Peter and Susan Cooper to fund much-needed renovations. These renovations occurred during the 2018 and 2019 seasons and involved expanding the capacity from 2,500 to 3,750, adding permanent restrooms and concessions, and upgrades to the press box and locker rooms. This review is about the field hockey experience at Cooper Field. A review of the football experience is also available from Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 0 Cooper Field has a concession stand, but it is not used for field hockey. Fans are free to bring in their own food and beverage. Atmosphere 2 One big problem with Cooper Field is quite literally that – the stadium is too large for the crowds it attracts for field hockey. While most schools at this level have a separate field hockey stadium which may be shared with one or two other non-revenue sports, Georgetown has elected to use their football stadium which is far too big for the crowds field hockey attracts. Playing in a stadium that is over 90% empty is not conducive to atmosphere, particularly when the team does little else to keep fans engaged. Cooper Field feels like a ghost town for field hockey, almost completely empty with little effort to promote the game or draw fans. Were the Hoyas to play in a smaller, dedicated field hockey stadium like most teams, this atmosphere could improve somewhat, but in a spacious (for field hockey, at least) stadium like Cooper Field, it isn’t great. As for the stadium itself, all seats are metal bleachers in what is, at least for field hockey, a large set of bleachers. There is a scoreboard on one end of the field that shows basic information and stats. A newly renovated concourse is located behind the seats and includes restrooms and the concession stand, though as noted above, the latter is closed for field hockey. Neighborhood 5 Cooper Field is located in the middle of the Georgetown campus, and you’ll probably have to head off campus to really do anything. However, the Georgetown neighborhood (which lends its name to the school, not the other way around) is one of the best in D.C. There are numerous restaurants ranging from casual sandwich shop Booeymonger’s to luxurious upscale restaurants such as 1789, and everything in between. Georgetown Cupcake sells exactly what its name implies, Clyde's of Georgetown is a locally popular American pub and bar, and Chaia is known for its fancy vegetarian and vegan tacos. All of this is located just a short walk or drive away from the University. If you’re willing to head downtown to the National Mall area, the District has so much more to offer, and the best part is that most of it is free. Whether it’s taking in the sights and monuments on the Mall itself, or visiting one of the many museums such as the various Smithsonians, there’s something for everyone. All of the government-run attractions are free, but some of the private ones are not. Just keep in mind if you wish to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book in advance. . Fans 3 Although it may not seem like a large crowd relative to capacity, Georgetown does draw fairly well at Cooper Field, averaging several hundred fans a game. Those in attendance are loud and passionate, and while the large size of the stadium subdues the crowd noise quite a bit, this isn’t really the fault of the fans, who try their best to create a great atmosphere. The fans are a mix of family and friends of the players and Georgetown students, plus a few locals and Hoya fans with no direct connection to the field hockey program. Access 4 Parking is conveniently available in a garage that is right at the stadium if you use the right elevator to exit. Unfortunately, this bank of elevators isn’t clearly marked, but even if you use the wrong one, you shouldn’t have to walk more than a minute or two. Parking in this garage is free on Sundays, but other days it costs between $15 and $25 depending on what time of day you get there. For an early afternoon start, it will cost $25, but if the game starts in the evening, you may be able to get away with paying only $15. The concourses are easy to navigate and a massive improvement on the way it used to be here. Restrooms are available off the concourse and are of a sufficient size for the crowd, though some toilets were not working by the end of the game when we visited. Unfortunately, the Washington Metro does not run to the Georgetown neighborhood and the closest stops are several miles away. There are buses that stop nearby, but your best bet is to drive or take an Uber or Lyft if driving is not an option. Georgetown is nowhere near downtown and is just across the river from Virginia, so you do not have to worry about city traffic coming in. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are free, and you won’t spend anything on concessions because there aren’t any. We recommend going on a Sunday if possible to avoid paying high prices for parking. Extras 1 There are no real extras in the stadium itself, at least not for field hockey, but the Georgetown campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and the stadium offers sweeping views of historic buildings, so that is worth one point here. Final Thoughts While the renovations to Cooper Field over the past couple years have significantly improved it, the fact remains that it is far too big for field hockey. This size is understandable as it was designed as a football stadium, but the experience here could be significantly improved were Georgetown to play in a dedicated, smaller field hockey stadium rather than a large football stadium like Cooper Field.

Photos by Jordan Fallconer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Canada Life Centre 300 Portage Ave Winnipeg, MB R3C 5S4, Canada Manitoba Moose website Canada Life Centre website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 15,294 MTS Centre AHL Style The return of the Manitoba Moose to Winnipeg may not have been as heralded as the return of their parent club, the Winnipeg Jets, but is has been very warmly received. With the return of the NHL to Winnipeg, a lot of families have been squeezed out of the MTS Centre. The Moose provide a family-friendly, affordable and accessible hockey option. The Moose use only the lower bowl of the MTS Centre. Tickets are $20 or $25 with lots of mini-pack options. Utilizing MTS Centres lower bowl with a capacity of 8,260 the Moose have consistently drawn between 5,000 – 7,000 fans per game with an average approaching 7,000 per game. Mini-pack games see larger crowds and the popular New Year’s Eve game is likely to be a complete sell-out. The Moose will actually open the upper bowl for the New Year’s Eve game this month. Ticket sales are already over 10,000 for the late afternoon game. Fans heading to the game should not expect a minor-league experience. The in-game production is the same as the Jets – a benefit of sharing the arena. All the sound, lights, effects and promotions are available to and used by the Moose. The Moose use the MTS Centre’s new HD scoreboard and LED power boards throughout the game. In game promotions and giveaways appeal to families and there are ample opportunities for kids to see themselves on the scoreboard’s large HD screens. Fans can watch for themselves on the Fan Cam, the Flex Cam or the Kiss Cam. These three popular scoreboard features give folks the chance to have some fun. Attending a Moose game is inexpensive and many families have jumped at the chance to get the whole family to a professional hockey game in Winnipeg. The atmosphere in the MTS Centre is definitely family friendly and there are many kids in attendance so this review will reflect and focus on this. Note: In May, 2017 MTS Centre’s name changed to Bell MTS Place as a result of Bell’s acquisition of MTS. In 2021, the arena’s name changed from Bell MTS Place to Canada Life Centre. Food & Beverage 5 Once inside MTS Centre for the game, there are many options for those looking to grab some food and beverages. Food options range from regular arena fare (burgers, dogs, pretzels, pizza, fries, etc.) at several locations around the concourse to favourites like Pizza Pizza, Tim Hortons, Moxies, and Local 204 which features local products like Granny’s poultry products. New this year is the Wrap Around, which features wraps for $13 (including beverage). Fans can choose from pork souvlaki, chicken shawarma or falafel and fill their wrap with a variety of fixings. Options abound at MTS Centre and even the hungriest of fans will be able to fill up on good quality food. From carved beef, pulled pork, and poutine to the usual fare of burgers, dogs, smokies, and fries there are many options for even the hungriest of fans. If you are really hungry, try the Jumbo Jet Dog – an MTS Centre feature and fan favorite. The Jumbo Jet Dog is a very large hot dog that will run you $9.50 but will fill you up. You may want to share this one with a friend or the whole family! It is also available in a combo for $13.50. In addition to the regular toppings, additional toppings available are what make this a monster. Bacon bits, pierogie pieces, chili or nacho cheese are available for an extra $1.50 each. Try the pierogie pieces and if you are not worried about spilling on your jersey, go for the nacho cheese and chili! Most concessions will run you about $10 – $15 for an “arena meal.” Beverage prices range from $5 for bottled water, $5.50 for a bottled pop (fountain drinks are $5.25 and $5.75) while beer is $8.50 for a regular draft (12 oz) and $9.50 for a large draft (17 oz). Concession information is available on the MTS Centre website where you can open a document with maps of both concourses that details the concessions available. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at MTS Centre during a Moose game is family friendly. Parents should feel comfortable bringing their kids to the MTS Centre to see the Moose play. The Moose cater to families and provide enough entertainment to occupy the little ones’ attention. While this is not the same atmosphere that one experiences at a Jets game, the MTS Centre fans are still knowledgeable and inviting. Fans cheer loud and proud and the kids get right into it! Neighborhood 3 While options abound for the pre-gamers, the options for families are not as plentiful. MTS Centre’s central downtown location does make for easy access. Traffic before and after a game is never really an issue as there are many routes in and out of the downtown area. Family-friendly pre-game meal options are not as plentiful in the immediate area next to MTS Centre. Boston Pizza Cityplace and the food court at Cityplace provide the best options as they are close and the building also has a parkade and is attached to the MTS Centre. Other options might include dinner at the Forks Market before heading over to the game, Carbone Coal Fired Pizza, Ichi Ban Japanese Steakhouse (a more pricey option), Mitzi’s for their famous chicken fingers, or fast food options such as Subway and A&W. Families should consider dinner at home first or along the way to the MTS Centre rather than planning a stop in the vicinity. Fans 4 Moose fans are active and engaged in the game. Fans can be heard reacting to penalty calls, chanting the opposition goalie’s name and, of course, cheering on their team as loudly as they can. Mick E. Moose is always firing up a “Go! Moose! Go!” chant and fans are willing to join in. Fans are knowledgeable about their home team. The fans at MTS Centre create a one of a kind atmosphere making the overall experience for families a positive one. Fans will be decked out in their Moose jerseys and there will be lots in their Jets jerseys as well. Many fans wear their Moose gear from before the Moose left Winnipeg so don’t be confused by the different color schemed jerseys. If you are a fan who likes to cheer and get involved, grab some seats close to ice level or in the first row. The last rows of the 100 and 200 levels offer great views and there is nobody behind you if you want to stand and stretch your legs. Fans who want to socialize may find the Budweiser King Club, which includes its own bar area and places to stand and watch the game. Access 5 Access to MTS Centre is easy. Situated on Winnipeg’s famous Portage Avenue between Donald and Hargraeve, the MTS Centre is easy to get to and easy to get home from after a game as well. It’s a remarkable change for anyone who ever saw a game at the old Winnipeg Arena. One need not leave early from the game to beat the traffic. Fans can stick around to the last whistle and enjoy every moment of the game. MTS Centre is connected to Winnipeg’s extensive downtown indoor walkway system so fans can park, leave jackets in the car and wear only their jerseys to the game while walking indoors. Return on Investment 5 Prices at MTS Centre are what one would expect for an NHL arena. Families looking for AHL prices won’t find them here. Fans will pay more on site for food than elsewhere so a pre-game visit to your family’s restaurant of choice is a good option. The overall return on investment is excellent, however, due to the low cost of tickets. An evening at the game for two with food, beverage and parking can be under $100. A family of four can get great seats for $80. Add parking ($5 – $10) and some snacks and a family can have a night out for around $120 or less. The Moose have filled a void in the Winnipeg hockey market. With the return of the Jets it has been difficult and expensive for families to get tickets. The Moose provide an option that is both affordable and accessible as tickets are readily available. Extras 3 There are several bonus points at MTS Centre during a Moose game. The facility itself is well thought out. Now entering its second decade, the building looks remarkably new thanks to constant renovations and additions. The views are good no matter where you sit. The new large HD scoreboard scores bonus points for MTS Centre as well. It is easy to see from anywhere in the arena bowl. Be sure to get to your seat early enough to watch the Moose game day production team’s build up to puck drop. From game intro videos and highlights the features prior to the game are worth watching – especially on the large HD screens. The biggest bonus that MTS Centre provides fans is the family-friendly atmosphere during Moose games. There are plenty of opportunities for the kids to see themselves on the scoreboard and even to interact with Mick E. Moose, the team’s mascot. Fans will also note that there are often players available for autographs after the game. At a recent game, the entire team was available after for autographs and the giveaway included a team puzzle that fans could get signed.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 UNT Coliseum Super Pit 801 North Texas Blvd Denton, TX 76201 North Texas Mean Green website UNT Coliseum Super Pit website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 10,500 North Texas Basketball’s Super Pit The University of North Texas Coliseum is the home court for the Mean Green men’s and women’s basketball teams. The arena is unofficially known as the Super Pit, which nickname arose because the predecessor, a smaller gymnasium, was referred to as the Snake Pit (the men’s gym would flood during heavy rainstorms, and once the water was gone, local snakes forced from their homes were found in the building). Today UNT Coliseum embraces that history with large signs outside advertising the Super Pit, while the official name is still visible on much smaller signage. UNT Coliseum opened in 1973 on the University of North Texas’ campus in Denton, about 40 minutes north of Dallas and Fort Worth. The new venue was considered one of the finest basketball facilities in the southwest, as the building was awarded first and second-round games for the 1976 and 1980 NCAA Basketball Tournaments, and the arena continued to host tournaments through the 1980s. The biggest in UNT basketball history was the 1988 Men’s Southland Conference Tournament, as North Texas rolled past McNeese State and Northeast Louisiana to capture the conference championship, and its first ever invitation to the NCAA Tournament. In 2005, the men’s Sun Belt Conference Tournament was also held at the Super Pit. Food & Beverage 3 There isn’t anything exotic at the concessions here, as the stands only offer basic stadium fare. The highest food prices belong to the brisket sandwich basket or brisket nachos – after all, what is a trip to Texas if you aren’t offered BBQ of some kind? Besides brisket you can also get jalapeno cheese sausage wraps, hot dogs, or pretzels. All food items fall inside the $10 range. The best option, however, if you just want a snack, is the souvenir popcorn for $8 – this bucket of popcorn is oversized and comes with a free refill. UNT Coliseum serves Coca-Cola products including Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Powerade, and Mr. Pibb. The best option for soda is the larger souvenir cup for $6, which comes with a free refill. Alcohol sales offer a choice of domestic and import beer ($7-$8) or wine ($13), but there isn’t a large selection. The concessions were really a pleasant surprise with the pricing of the items and the very fast service. Atmosphere 2 There isn’t much of an atmosphere at UNT Coliseum due to the fact there isn’t much of a crowd in attendance. The North Texas band starts performing once the gates open, which is an hour before game time, but the two-tier seating bowl swallows up the few early arrivals, until near tip-off when a larger number of fans arrive at their seats. The UNT dance team and spirit squad are located at opposite baselines – the cheerleaders are on the UNT band side of the court and the dance team is near the UNT bench. The mascot Scrappy, an eagle, walks around UNT Coliseum during the game for photo opportunities. There are dedicated fans that make a lot of noise, and, combined with the enthusiasm of the band and cheerleaders, keep the Super Pit entertaining despite the small numbers in attendance. Neighborhood 3 UNT Coliseum “Super Pit” is located on the University of North Texas’ campus across from Fouts Field on North Texas Blvd. Denton has a population of 113K people, and is the northernmost point of the DFW area, where Interstate 35 splits into two major arteries going to Fort Worth and Dallas; the 2 metropolises are both about 40 miles from Denton. There are a few attractions in Denton, the most well-known being the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum and the Bayless-Shelby House Museum – this area is the heart of the college town atmosphere, with plenty of restaurants on E. Hickory and S. Locust Streets. Some of the best restaurants in this area are Hannah’s Off the Square, Rooster’s Roadhouse, Hoochies, and LSA Burger Co. – any of these would be a great place to start the pre or post-game experience, since there are no restaurants near the Super Pit. Lodging near UNT Coliseum is limited to Hampton Inn, Howard Johnson, Motel 6, and Best Western, which is just up Interstate 35 on W. University Ave. However, the best options for lodging would likely be near DFW airport, if you are flying in from out of town. Fans 2 The University of North Texas men’s basketball program’s average attendance last season was 3,800 – UNT Coliseum’s seating capacity is 10,500, so 37% of the arena is filled, which doesn’t bode well for the Mean Green faithful, even in a football state. However, they did manage to outdraw their future American Athletic Conference rival, SMU . The acoustics are also done very well, so the small crowd can seem to get a little louder when the action heats up on the court. There is one thing you can count on with Mean Green fans at UNT basketball games, though – they are truly basketball fans, and not there just to be social. In UNT’s entrance to the American Athletic Conference next season, I expect the attendance to rise, with better competition and a nearby rival in SMU . Access 5 Access to UNT Coliseum “Super Pit” is outstanding as the venue is right off I-35E on campus, and offers very easy navigation to and from the parking lots between Fouts Field and the Super Pit – parking is free in a large lot just across North Texas Boulevard from the arena. There are also plenty of entrances into UNT Coliseum, and the concourse is wide enough for all. Fans can also visit the many displays here commemorating the history of North Texas sports; there were no problems whatsoever in getting around this venue or using the facilities. Return on Investment 5 The return on investment for a visit to Denton to watch NCAA Division 1 basketball in an old school venue might be one of the highest returns in the country – the free parking right next to the venue begins the great return on investment while visiting the Super Pit. In addition, the two levels of pricing for Mean Green Basketball tickets are either $25 for reserved seats or $18 for general admission; the general admission seating is on the baselines, but there isn’t a bad seat in the building. The concession prices are also relatively low cost compared to other venues – UNT Coliseum is a wonderful reminder of North Texas’ past arenas, and the university keeps the venue in great shape for being over 40 years old. Just a note: North Texas is changing conferences – the 2023-24 basketball season will find the Mean Green in the American Athletic Conference. This could raise ticket prices in the coming year. Extras 3 The ability to watch a basketball game in an old-time arena, that has been essentially unchanged for 40 years is a plus, as are the displays of the basketball program’s history in two different conferences, in both of which UNT won championships. There is also a trophy case in the concourse displaying basketball honors, including Sun Belt Tournament Championships from 2007 and 2010, as well as their recent success playing in Conference USA. The most famous player from the North Texas Mean Green shares their unique namesake – NFL Hall of Famer and former Pittsburgh Steeler Mean Joe Greene was a Mean Green player. The University of North Texas’ nickname was adopted in 1966 when the North Texas football defense finished second in the nation against the rush – Joe Greene was a sophomore that year, and part of that defense. When he joined the Steelers in 1969, fans there thought that “Mean Green” was his nickname while at North Texas, and it stuck. Of course the university has kept the name, despite having an eagle as their mascot. Mean Joe is also a member of the UNT Hall of Fame. Final Thoughts UNT Coliseum is a link to the past, hearkening to a different era of basketball, yet well-maintained and allowing fans to step back in time. The Super Pit is a great old venue, and a replica of Dallas’ old Reunion Arena with its design and basketball experience. There isn’t a need to make a special trip to Denton to see it, but if you are already in the area it would be a treat to spend a couple of hours in the Ageless Super Pit.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 2300 Arena 2300 South Swanson Street Philadelphia, PA 19148 Major League Wrestling website 2300 Arena website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 1,300 Home Of Extreme Legends It is strange to think that a building that looks boring from the outside and sits in a warehouse neighborhood almost literally under I-95 has had such an eventful sports entertainment past. The 2300 Arena was made famous when it was known as the ECW Arena from 1993 to 2001. Extreme Championship Wrestling (originally Eastern Championship Wrestling) was a professional wrestling promotion that gave the then-WWF (now WWE) and the former WCW, a run for their money by offering much more “extreme” variations of professional wrestling. Paul Heyman, Mick Foley, Sabu, Sandman, Raven, and Tommy Dreamer are just some of the famous names who worked in that promotion and at that building. One of the most famous ECW Arena events was Hardcore Heaven 1994 which ended with an onslaught of chairs being thrown into the ring after originally being requested to do so by Terry Funk and Mick Foley’s Cactus Jack character. ECW closed in 2001 and WWE bought the name, assets, and video rights, which they used again from 2006-2010 as a third brand alongside their Raw and Smackdown stables. The facility was originally a freight warehouse that was built in 1974 and was also known as Viking Hall prior to 1993, when the South Philadelphia Viking Club, a local chapter of Mummers used the building for storage and to rehearse for the annual Mummers Parade. After 2001, the venue went through many names, often known by the promotion that was paying the rent. The names were: Alhambra Arena, The Arena, Asylum Arena, ECW Arena, CZW Arena, and XPW Arena. Since 2013 it has been known just as 2300 Arena due to its main entrance at 2300 South Swanson Street. The venue has been drastically remodeled since the extreme days, especially in terms of amenities and restrooms. Besides wrestling the venue is used for concerts, boxing matches, MMA fights, and corporate events. Major League Wrestling is an Orlando, Florida-based professional wrestling promotion Food & Beverage 3 The venue has a large bar in the lobby. Drink choices are limited but the prices are cheaper than most professional venues. There is a decent snack bar in the main arena area that offers typical stadium and arena food. There is a good chance you will see a wrestler in line waiting for a hot dog along with the fans. Atmosphere 5 This warehouse building should not work as a sports venue. But the facility just drips with the atmosphere. It may not be as gritty and grimy as the old ECW days but it still works as a fun wrestling venue. There are no permanent stands, but folding chairs surround the ring. It does mean that if you are in the back of the room, you may be limited in seeing some action, especially when the action goes ringside. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood is essentially a warehouse district in South Philadelphia. That means it is an area you should use some level of caution, but it is still fairly safe. There will also be a large crowd before and after the event to help temper any safety issues. Some of the best cheesesteaks are located within walking distance of 2300 Arena at Tony and Nick’s on Oregon Avenue, also underneath I-95. Don’t fall for the more touristy Pat’s and Geno’s. Tony and Nick’s offers more options with much better flavor. Tony and Nick’s can get crowded often and still gets its share of tourists. You may also run into a wrestler to two after an event. The rest of Philadelphia is a quick drive away. The options in the town are nearly limitless. Fans 5 These will be some of the most knowledgeable and spirited wrestling fans you may ever experience. They will know the wrestlers, their moves, and the required chants and sayings. Some may consider Philly sports fans to be a bit rough, but we found the 2300 Arena faithful very friendly and inviting. Access 4 The arena is located right off of I-95; it is almost literally under I-95. If you can find your way to Tony Luke’s at Oregon and the I-95 overpass, you only need to go north for a couple of blocks and you will be there. There is plenty of parking in the area, but you should use your best judgment on the safety of some roads. If you see many people parking in an area that is the best place to head for. The quiet, dark parking space down the block may not be the best route to go around here. Use good judgment. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Major League Wrestling are as low as $20 plus fees through the promotion’s website for general admission seats. Expect to pay much more for better seats and/or tickets that include VIP meetups. You should be able to park for free and coupled with the decent food prices, the value of attending an event here is fairly good, especially for a venue in a large city. . Extras 5 For a wrestling fan, just being in the world-famous “ECW Arena” is worth a couple of extra points. For many fans, this place is their Wrigley Field or Fenway Park. The venue is also home to the Hardcore Hall of Fame where you can see the names of past legends such as Tommy Dreamer, The Blue Meanie, Eddie Guerrero, and many more. The venue has been cleaned up, but try to remember past events such as Super Summer Sizzler, November to Remember 1993, and Holiday Hell 1993. You may almost be able to hear the clanking of chairs and the destruction of tables. The arena’s proximity to such a good cheesesteak option such as Tony Luke’s is just another extra. Final Thoughts A visit here to any event, let alone a wrestling event such as Major League Wrestling, is a must for anyone who remembers the hardcore, extreme version of professional wrestling that was alive in the 1990s.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Welcome Stadium 1601 S Edwin C Moses Blvd Dayton, OH 45417 Dayton Flyers website Welcome Stadium website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 11,000 The Wright Stuff The University of Dayton has been fielding a football team since 1905 – the team is named the Flyers after the Wright Brothers (the local Air Force base is also partly named after the duo). The Flyers play their home football games at Welcome Stadium, which was built in 1949 to host football for all the high school teams in the area; the Dayton Flyers began playing here in 1974. Food & Beverage 3 Welcome Stadium offers chicken tenders, nachos, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, packaged candy, popcorn, packaged chips and cookies, donuts, pickles, and drinks including Gatorade, soda, bottled water, coffee, and hot cocoa. There are concessions on both sides of the field, though the one on the visiting side does not sell quite everything. Prices are reasonable with almost everything costing $5 or less, with many items at $2 or $3. Atmosphere 3 The Dayton Flyers have a very active band at their football games, who march into the stadium before the game and play throughout, bobbing and weaving at various times during the contest to help inspire the fans. The Flyers also have a mascot, cheerleaders, and a dance team. The band also lets off a hurricane warning siren before the game and again before the second half. The newly renovated turf field provides some bright pops of blue color, and there is great architecture as you walk in along brick columns to the entrances on both sides. There is only one video board, however, and all the seats are bleacher benches without backs. There is also no seating behind the end zones, but fans can walk on the surrounding running track to get between the two sides. Neighborhood 4 There are plenty of restaurants and hotels near Welcome Stadium, as it is located near downtown, across the river from the University of Dayton’s campus. Old Scratch Pizza and Beer is a popular stop near the hospital just north of the campus. Dayton Raceway, a casino and live horse racing track is located nearby – the football season overlaps with the horse racing season, allowing fans to double up if desired. The most popular attraction in the city, however, is the Air Force museum at nearby Wright-Patterson Field, a large museum with multiple hangers showcasing planes and other aviation history. There are also additional sites in town you can visit which honor Wilbur, Orville, and their work. Fans 3 Welcome Stadium does not always fill up with fans, depending of course on how much the team is winning that season, but fans seem very engaged, and there is a decent tailgating scene in the parking lot. Access 4 Getting to Welcome Stadium is very easy, given its location just off I-75 and slightly south of US Highway 35, the two main roads that take people downtown. Traffic in the area can be very rough during rush hour, but you will avoid all of that on a typical Saturday. There is plenty of free parking all the way around the stadium, so you should be able to park close to one of the entrances. Most fans will want to park on the west/home side, closer to University of Dayton Arena (home of the school’s basketball teams). There may be a little bit of a line to get into the stadium on the west side, but there is plenty of room in the concourse once you get inside. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Flyers football games are $10 for general admission, allowing you to sit anywhere you want inside the facility. Given the free parking and reasonable concession prices, this equals a great return on investment for FCS football. Extras 3 Underneath each grandstand are banners and trophy cases celebrating the successes of the various high schools which call Dayton Stadium home, and on the home side there is also a team gear stand selling Flyers swag.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 UFCU Disch-Falk Field 1300 East MLK Blvd Austin, TX 78702 Texas Longhorns website UFCU Disch-Falk Field website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 6.649 Texas Longhorns – UFCU Disch-Falk Field The Texas Longhorns have a rich and storied history on the baseball diamond. Since taking the field in 1894 the Longhorns have appeared in the College World Series (CWS) a record 38 times, been runners-up six times, and have won the whole thing six times (in 1949, 1950, 1975, 1983, 2002, and 2005), tied for the second most ever. From 1997-2016 Texas was led by legendary Head Coach Augie Garrido, owner of the record for most wins in NCAA baseball history. A host of all-time greats have suited up in Austin on the 40 acres, including Roger Clemens, Burt Hooten, Keith Moreland, Greg Swindell, and Huston Street. Since 1975 Texas has played its games at UFCU Disch-Falk Field, named for two other legendary coaches in Longhorn history, Billy Disch and Bibb Falk. Over the years the stadium has gone through numerous renovations to keep the stadium as up-to-date as possible; this included upgrading the video board/jumbotron in the left-center field, adding new seats, and upgrading the concession stands. With its brick façade and prime location in downtown Austin, the Disch is one of the best spots for college baseball in the country. Read on to learn what has made it such a popular stop on the sports landscape. Food & Beverage 3 When it comes to concessions, the offerings at Disch-Falk Field are pretty much standard fare. There are five concession stands on the main concourse between home plate and third base. These spots – all contactless – offer up traditional hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, soft pretzels, popcorn, bottled and fountain sodas, and beer. There is also a full-scale bar behind the third baseline, selling beer, wine, spirits, mixed drinks, and pre-packaged (i.e. canned) cocktails from Deep Eddy Vodka. Also along the third baseline is a stand offering up Quizno’s Subs – selling a pared-down menu of pre-made subs, chips, and cookies, it’s a nice change of pace from your regular ballgame food. The ballpark has some local flare, as well, in its concessions, with one area specializing in tacos and Mexican street corn. Also, as another nice change of pace, local food trucks can set up shop in a special area behind the stands on the third baseline. One of the main highlights for me must be the aforementioned contactless ordering and self-checkout kiosks; these can speed up the process and get folks in and out to minimize missing any of the game. Atmosphere 5 The Disch flat-out has a great atmosphere that adds to the overall enjoyment of the game day experience. The outside façade gives it the gravitas of a true baseball cathedral, and banners line the walkway highlighting the six CWS championships. Near the main entrance, a series of four busts stand to watch – each depicts one of the legendary head coaches in Longhorn baseball history: Disch, Falk, Garrido, and Cliff Gustafson, a.k.a. Coach Gus. The recently deceased Coach Gus was honored with the naming of the Cliff Gustafsson Pavilion in the right field, along with a giant Longhorn logo with his name on it emblazoned on the grass in the center field. Inside the stadium, there are team stores behind first base, for fans to pick up all their team gear. In addition, lining the wall underneath the luxury boxes is the de facto ring of honor, which highlights many of the names I mentioned earlier, and their retired numbers. The impossibly green field turf of the outfield just looks glorious when paired with the omnipresent highlights of burnt orange throughout the Disch. There isn’t a bad seat in the house, and quite a few of the general admission seats lie underneath a covered area, which comes in mighty handy during the dog days of summer. Neighborhood 4 UFCU Disch-Falk Field lies across Interstate 35 within eyesight of but just set apart from, the main campus of the University of Texas, a.k.a. the 40 acres. With that said, it is still smack dab in the middle of downtown Austin. The state capital has a multitude of activities to keep anyone engaged – from outdoor enthusiasts and live music aficionados to history buffs and cinephiles, Austin has you covered. The Disch is located right across I-35 from the Longhorn's shiny new basketball arena, Moody Center . The baseball and basketball seasons do overlap, so if you plan your visit right, you could double up on games. It is also in the same athletics compound as Red & Charline McCombs Field, Texas Tennis Center, and the Jamail Texas Swimming Center, home of Texas softball, tennis, and swimming and diving, respectively. There is also the chance to catch some of these games/events if you plan your visit accordingly. In terms of other attractions, spring, and summer (when the heart of college baseball is played) is a fantastic times to visit the most visible natural attraction in Austin, Lady Bird Lake . Named in honor of native Texan and former first lady Lady Bird Johnson, the reservoir encompasses 480 acres of real estate in the city; it is a favorite spot for kayakers and paddleboarders. Visitors can also take boat tours across the lake, which is a prime spot to see the Congress Avenue Bridge Mexican freetail bat colony that is famous in the area. One quirky attraction that plays into the city’s motto to “Keep Austin Weird” is the eponymous Museum of the Weird . This hodgepodge collection of kitschy and schlocky artifacts is a fun, breezy way to spend some time before or after a Longhorns game, and perfectly plays into the city’s overall aesthetic. For dining options, my favorite spot in the city – which is also the oldest continually operating restaurant in Texas – is Scholz Garten . Opened one year after the close of the Civil War, Scholz Garten embodies old-world German cuisine. Serving up sausages, schnitzels, sandwiches, and more (the jägerschnitzel is my favorite) along with German beer in the beer garden, this place is dripping with history and deliciousness. If you come to south and/or central Texas, at some point Tex-Mex really should be part of your diet. Juan in a Million , in addition to having a great punny name, is also an old-school joint serving up good Tex-Mex cuisine. With enchiladas, fajitas, chalupas, flautas, and some of the largest breakfast tacos in the state, Juan in a Million plays the hits and does them well. In terms of lodging, being as popular as Austin is, there is a multitude of options for you. There aren’t any within walking distance of the ballpark, but there are quite a few that are a short drive away. This includes DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin - University Area and Frances Modern Inn . Whatever your budget, you’ll be able to find something to suit your needs. Fans 4 When attending games at the Disch, depending on the opponent, you are more than likely going to be awash in a sea of burnt orange. Averaging just under 6,800 fans a game, it is virtually a sellout every time out for the Longhorns. Fans are lined up outside the stadium along the outfield fences in a pseudo tailgate that lasts the entire game. The fans are loud, they’re vocal, they’re decked out in burnt orange, and they make games a lot of fun – the Longhorns faithful greatly add to the energy at the ballpark. Access 4 Austin is an hour and a half north of San Antonio on I-35, three and a half hours south of Dallas/Fort Worth, and three hours west of Houston. UFCU Disch-Falk Field, which as mentioned is in the middle of downtown Austin, is also only 15 minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. CapMetro , Austin’s public transportation system, runs buses and trains from all over the city, and there are even bus stops out in front of the Disch if you choose not to drive. If you are driving in, the baseball stadium has its dedicated parking garage next door. The cost is $8 per car if purchased ahead of time online, or $10 the day of. Return on Investment 5 Single-game general admission tickets for Longhorn baseball start at $14 per person, which is truly a bargain considering the caliber of opponent that comes to Austin each season. Premium seating – such as those directly behind home plate – will cost you a bit more. However, it still pales in comparison to what you’ll spend on other sports. With the low cost of parking and relatively favorable pricing at the concession stands, you and your wallet are sure to appreciate your time in Austin at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. Extras 3 There is not much in the way of Extras at Longhorn baseball games. Unlike other sports, baseball doesn’t lend itself well to a lot of the accouterments of other sports. Also, because it says “Texas” across their jerseys and with all that implies, there aren’t any of the types of festivities or games or whatnot that you’ll typically find at minor league baseball games, for example. They do bring some of the school’s traditional pomp and circumstance out to the ballpark, however, which includes the Texas Cowboys manning the Longhorns cannon “ Smokey ” – the Cowboys fire off the venerable cannon after every Texas run scored. Also on hand for games is the Texas mascot, Hook ‘Em , who can be seen patrolling the stands and the main concourse interacting with fans, throwing up the Hook ‘Em Horns sign, and of course, posing for countless pictures. Final Thoughts I probably should have mentioned this at the beginning of the review, but in the interest of full disclosure, I must note that I am a lifelong Texas Longhorns fan. For me, heading up to any game on the 40 acres is truly something special. With that said, I think anyone who is a fan of sports – especially baseball – will enjoy themselves at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. It is a cathedral of the sport, draped in history and excellence. The atmosphere is tremendous, and Austin is a fun city to visit. Catch a game at the Disch when you can, and Hook ‘Em Horns! ------ Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 CC Amfi Kornsilovegen 54 2316 Hamar, Norway Storhamar Ishockey website CC Amfi website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 6,100 Olympic History in Hamar Lillehammer grabbed the glory of hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics, but 38 miles (61 km) to the south, the town of Hamar shared in the fun. Two decades plus later, Norway’s 20th-largest city still keeps its two Olympic venues active, and both absolutely warrant a visit. Hamar OL-Amfi, also known as Nordlyshallen (Norwegian for “Hamar Olympic Amphitheater,” and “Northern Lights Hall,” respectively), hosted both the short track speed skating and figure skating events of the XVII Olympic Winter Games. Speed skating on the long track was held 2.5 miles (4km) away at the Vikingskipet. Though there was preliminary talk of possibly hosting ice hockey in Hamar, organizers eventually decided to keep hockey in Lillehammer. It was only after the Olympics when ice hockey finally moved into Hamar OL-Amfi, in the form of the Storhamar Dragons of Norway’s top level GET-ligaen. Nordlyshallen is an excellent home for its adopted sport. Note: Since this visit the stadium name changed from Hamar OL-Amfi to CC Amfi and the team name changed from Storhamar Dragons to Stormara Ishockey. Food & Beverage 3 Vaffler: Norwegian waffles. That’s really all you need. Grab a cup of coffee and a waffle (NOK 20 each, about $2.40 US, or EUR 2.32 as of early 2015), add a scoop of jelly and some sugar, and you’ll fit in with the Storhamar faithful. Truth be told, the waffles aren’t the best you’ll find. Concession workers bring them out fresh on large platters, and despite their popularity, sometimes the waffles get cold before a new batch comes out. But even a cold waffle is a treat. There’s a reason why these are the go-to game day snack in Norway. Your other options are sufficient (think hot dogs and Cokes), but nothing remarkable. If you want to bring in your own snacks, well, no one objected to our bottle of water. Atmosphere 5 Though not a giant rink by international standards, Nordlyshallen is the largest hockey arena in Norway’s top league by a significant margin. Sellout crowds are exceptionally rare, but even with a crowd of only half of capacity, the arena doesn’t feel empty. The crowds do their part, but most of the atmosphere is set by the building and the way the team uses it. Get here on time to take everything in. You’ll want to make sure you’re in your seat well before faceoff, and there’s a lot to see first. Walk around the brick and hardwood-lined concourse. Look at the photos, posters, and trophies lining the walls. Look out the windows and across Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake. Peek out to the ice surface and remember the violent rivalry between Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding. Think back to Tonya Harding’s skate blade fiasco as she took to the ice for her Olympic Free Skate. Divine retribution or another case of bad luck? Either way, that happened here. As players prepare to take to the ice, a soloist belts out a live performance of “Storhamar, vårt Storhamar,” a team anthem that is both powerful and evocative, even if you don’t speak Norwegian. Then, colorful spotlights and a slick intro video cut to Green Day transports us out of the mid-90s to today as the players take to the ice. A modernish scoreboard at center ice shows us the video, while retro (are the mid-’90s retro?) dot-matrix displays leftover from the 1994 Olympics give us additional information. Seats are comfortable but not remarkable, unless you’re sitting in one of the sections originally designed for judges or international media back in 1994. In that case, you’ll have a desk! Sight lines are good from just about everywhere, and no views are obstructed. Neighborhood 4 The Dragons play in the residential Storhamar neighborhood of Hamar, from which they take their name. There are a handful of nearby sites that are worth seeing. A five-minute drive (or 25 minute walk) towards Lake Mjøsa’s waterfront will bring you to the Hedmarksmuseet, a large open-air museum that contains, among other attractions, the ruins of the old Hamar cathedral. Though most locals will have been many times and will see no need to make this a game day stop, the site is absolutely worth visiting for an out-of-towner. Originally completed around 1200 AD, the ruins now sit in a modern (and controversial) glass enclosure. Access to the park is free, while certain attractions inside have an entry fee. Even closer to the arena is Maxi Storsenter, a modern shopping mall where you can grab a bite to eat or do some shopping before the game. A true stadium journeyman will also make a point at popping into the smaller, older rink next door. Fans 3 When we saw the attendance, we couldn’t believe it. The fans made the crowd feel twice as large as it actually was. Not that they were particularly loud or rowdy, but something about this arena and the Storhamar Dragons fans means that a crowd of 3,000 in a 6,000-capacity rink just doesn’t feel too small. The area behind one goal is reserved for fans of the visiting team. Directly across the rink, the Storhamar Supporterunion fan club stands, sings, and supports the home team throughout the match. In a country where hockey isn’t the main sport, their passion and dedication is especially noteworthy. Access 3 By car, European route E 6 serves Hamar. For those taking advantage of Oslo’s growing role as a hub for low cost airlines like Norwegian Air Shuttle, quick and comfortable trains link Hamar hourly with central Oslo and the Oslo airport in Gardermoen. Should you want to relive the rest of the 1994 games, trains continue to (and arrive from) Lillehammer. Hamar OL-Amfi is located about 1.7 miles (2.7 km) from Hamar’s railway station. If it’s not too cold, an average walk from the station or the city center should take about 40 minutes, but be careful – sidewalks can be icy. City buses serve the arena; inquire locally for current routes and schedules. Local bus fares are more expensive than in many cities, weighing in at 33 NOK (USD 4.00, EUR 3.82 in early 2015), but still affordable by Nordic standards. A small number of taxis are available in Hamar, but fares are relatively steep. Parking is available immediately outside of the arena and is generally sufficient for local crowds. Once you’ve arrived at the venue, access is similarly good. Most fans will enter on the main concourse from ground level, though some may enter at ice level. Concourses are wide, flat, and adequately lit, making circulation simple. From the concourse, fans enter the middle part of the seating bowl and then move up or down to take their seats. Restrooms are plentiful and sufficiently clean. Security is present and visible at the arena, but hardly feels necessary in such a safe and peaceful town. Return on Investment 3 Though Norwegian ice hockey lacks the reputation of its Nordic neighbors Sweden and Finland, the country has a strong hockey tradition, a well run national league, and a higher level of play than many fans might expect. If that’s not enough, Oslo’s growing role as a hub for low cost international flights has made travel to this expensive region a bit more accessible. If you’ve ever wondered whether Norwegian hockey would be worth your time, the answer is simple: It is. Stavanger now claims Norway’s most modern rink, but Hamar’s Nordlyshallen deserves to be mentioned alongside of Oslo’s Jordal Amfi when discussing this country’s most interesting and most historic rinks. Prices here in Hamar are about average. You won’t get a bargain, but you will get a very good experience for your money. In fact, you’ll get possibly the best hockey experience Norway has to offer. Extras 4 In Olympic circles, the 1994 Winter Games are still regarded as one of the best. That history is still alive in this building. The vintage scoreboards, seats with desks for international media, and photos in the concourses make the visitor feel like these legendary games just happened yesterday. It’s rare that history feels so close. Final Thoughts We were disappointed by the Storhamar Dragon’s team shop. Beyond that, we only have positive things to say about our lone visit to this Olympic gem. While not quite a bucket list arena, Hamar OL-Amfi/Nordlyshallen is a comfortable rink in a beautiful location with a powerful Olympic history that is still palpable more than two decades on. The Dragons don’t just rest on this, though. A thoroughly modern, but not overdone, game presentation keeps fans firmly rooted in the 21st century. The quality of hockey on display is quite good, and better than many would expect from this often-overlooked league. A stop at Hamar OL-Amfi is absolutely worth the time for any hockey fan, Olympic fan, or anyone who simply likes nice arenas.

Photos by Chris Patton, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Dozer Park 730 SW Jefferson St Peoria, IL 61605 Bradley Braves website Dozer Park website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 7,500 Bradley Braves Baseball The Bradley Braves baseball team shares Dozer Park with the St. Louis Cardinals Class A affiliate, the Peoria Chiefs. The stadium opened in May 2002, and Bradley’s first game in the facility was on March 26, 2003. Originally known as O’Brien Field, Caterpillar purchased naming rights in 2013. The current name refers to Caterpillar’s bulldozers. Dozer Park has 7,500 chair back seats, along with grass seating down the left and right field lines and behind the left field wall. There are also multiple picnic tables around the concourse. The Braves play in the Missouri Valley Conference. The most notable player in Bradley history is MLB Hall of Famer, Kirby Puckett. The late Minnesota Twin played in Peoria in 1981. Puckett’s opponent in the 1987 World Series, former Cardinals first baseman/outfielder Jim Lindeman, donned the Bradley red and white as well, from 1981-83. Food & Beverage 3 While only one of the many concession stands in Dozer Park is open for Bradley games, they do serve the entire menu. Yes, the entire menu does include alcohol, a rarity at college baseball games. Draft beer options are Bud Light, Miller Lite and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy (each $6). During the cooler portion of the college baseball season, $5.50 spiked coffee or hot chocolate might hit the spot more than a cold beer. A large Pepsi product in a souvenir cup is $5. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, turkey burgers, pork chop sandwiches, chicken tenders, and corn dogs all sell for $6 or less. Combo meals featuring one of the above items, French fries and a soft drink are all $9 or less, a nice deal for ballpark food. Atmosphere 3 Dozer Park is just over ten years old and a nice facility. Unfortunately, the most recent game I attended included an hour long rain delay. By first pitch, the stands were practically deserted and most of the remaining fans watched the game from the cover of the concourse. With the eerie quiet, it felt like the game was being played in the middle of the night. Inside the main entrance to Dozer Park is a merchandise stand and marketing table. The small stand features Bradley gear for sale, including t-shirts with the new school mascot, Kaboom the Gargoyle. The Chiefs merchandise store is not open during Bradley games. The marketing table contains picture schedules, posters and laminated cards for baseball bingo. The bingo winner receives a coupon for free pizza. The 7,500 green seats feature cup holders. Seats in rows 20 and 21 are under an overhang from the press box and suite level. These seats remain nice and dry in the event of a rain shower. Legroom is ample. The field at Dozer Park features grass and clay. The Bradley players and coaches are in charge of getting the tarp on and off the field. Dimensions are 310 feet down the lines, 375 feet to the power alleys and 400 feet to straightaway center field. The Braves use the Dozer Park video board, a luxury not available to most mid-major, college baseball programs. The screen features information about the players and airs videos for between inning contests. Neighborhood 4 Kelleher’s Irish Pub and Eatery is located on the historic riverfront, two blocks away from the park. The restaurant is housed in an old warehouse. They feature traditional Irish fare, along with American bar food. Kelleher’s touts their 20 micro or import drafts and 90 different bottled beers. The stadium is on the eastern edge of Peoria’s downtown. Peoria features a wide variety of nightlife for fans looking for a late night on the town. Just across the river in East Peoria, the recently developed area features nearly every dining and shopping chain possible. Fans 2 The trade off of playing in a shiny, off-campus facility is that students have to travel to attend games. They can’t just spill out of the dorms and into the game. The team needs to be winning and playing an exciting brand of ball to ensure lively, invested crowds. In all fairness to the Bradley student body, I attended a weeknight, non-conference game that featured an hour-long rain delay before the first pitch. Once the game started, there were only a handful of students in attendance who weren’t working at the game. Parents of the players make up the majority of the crowd. Access 5 Free parking is available on multiple streets around the ballpark. There are also nearby office lots that might be available for use, depending on the day and time of your visit to Dozer Park. Check the signs on the streets and the lots to make sure you won’t come out of the game to find a ticket on your windshield. Unlike the concession stands, all of the concourse bathrooms are open. The facilities are clean and spacious. Return on Investment 2 Admission is $6, which seems high, when many competing programs offer free admission. Free parking helps to make up for the admission charge. A pretzel and Pepsi in a souvenir cup totals $8.50. The souvenir cup features the Peoria Chiefs instead of Bradley. The cup is a leftover from seasons ago because it still shows the Chiefs as a Cubs affiliate. The Chiefs have been a Cardinals affiliate since 2013. It might be in your best interest to wait until the summer and visit Dozer Park for a Chiefs game to get the most entertainment for your dollar at this ballpark. Extras 2 While most everything in the park references the summer tenant, the Braves have two prominent areas where their history is on display. On the third base side of the concourse, there are two, wall-length posters featuring photos, names and records of great players in Bradley baseball history. Down the right field line, next to the retired Chiefs numbers, are the names and numbers retired by the Braves. Along with Puckett’s number 14, Bradley has retired the numbers of former pitcher Mike Dunne (#11) and longtime coach Leo Schrall (#2). Final Thoughts Dozer Park is a comfortable and fan-friendly stadium with a view of the downtown Peoria skyline. It is well worth checking out on a sunny day or a clear night. Unfortunately, it feels like Bradley is an afterthought at their own home field.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Tranquilo Golf Course at Four Seasons Resort Orlando 3451 Golf View Dr Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 LPGA Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions website Tranquilo Golf Course at Four Seasons Resort Orlando website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 50,000 True Golf Enjoyment in Disney’s Back Yard The Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions is unique in golf for several reasons. First, it is located at the Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Second, it features only LPGA pros who have won a tournament in the past year. Finally, it also features some top-level sports and entertainment celebrities, as well as some of the best access to them that fans can expect. While modestly advertised, this “best kept secret” remains popular among fans and locals in the know, and features a game-day experience that rivals the best in the local sports scene. While professional golf has a history at Disney World thanks to the 41-year run of the Walt Disney World Golf Classic at the Palm and Magnolia courses, the 2019 tournament is the first official return of golf that is part of a season, and not just a one-off event – from 2013 to 2018 the event was a PGA tour and celebrity invitational. Food & Beverage 4 The food booths are pretty well spread out around the golf course, making it easy for fans to grab a bite to eat or something to drink. While most concessions stands have limited menus for food, the drink options are quite extensive. The most extensive menu is found at the main food stand just past the shuttle drop-off zone for the 3rd and 17th holes. Here you can find a grilled hot dog for $5, a grilled cheeseburger, grilled Italian sausage, or grilled chicken sandwich for $8, or a Mediterranean chicken salad bowl for $10. The stand also offers turkey spinach wraps and almond tarragon chicken salad sandwiches for $9. Snacks like Smucker’s Uncrustable PB&Js are $4, while chips, crackers, cookies, and fruit are $2; drinks like bottled water and soda are $4. Various alcohol companies that sponsor the event are also on hand to sell variations on popular cocktails using their respective products. For example, The Glenlivet has their own bar setup that features seven different cocktails ranging from $12 to $20. Local brewer Crooked Can Brewery is also on hand with their beers at various concessions stands and in their beer garden, with beers costing anywhere from $8 to $9. In addition, this year American brewer Yeungling featured a beer garden that included free samples of their latest beer, as well as their other beers for sale. Atmosphere 4 The weather in Florida in January is almost always as picture perfect as it gets – highs range in the upper 60s to low 70s in the day, meaning it’s perfect golf weather. The course itself is also stunning; the 18-hole course is laid out on the property that was once Disney’s Osprey and Eagle golf courses, but now is part of the Golden Oak neighborhood and Four Seasons Resort. The fans also turn up in respectable crowd sizes, meaning popular players are usually followed by a solid crowd of patrons to cheer them on. This may not initially look like the PGA stadium-style setups that are popular among bigger tournaments, but the facilities and atmosphere here are no less enjoyable. A minimalist golf tournament taken to its max potential, fans are sure to enjoy their day at Tranquilo Golf Course. For example, where massive grandstands may usually sit at various greens, here fans can find stacks of comfortable outdoor lounging chairs which can be positioned wherever you want to watch from, giving fans the best view possible at each hole. The relaxed setting transfers over to the 18th hole, where a DJ spins tunes throughout the entire day, and fans party to celebrate the final hole for each group’s day. Neighborhood 5 Tranquilo Golf Course is located on the property of the Four Seasons Resort, which is deep in the heart of Walt Disney World. Nestled between the Fort Wilderness Camp Grounds and the Port Orleans Resort, the sounds of the Magic Kingdom train whistles and monorail horns can be heard as the wind blows over the property. Because of this, you’re not far from pretty much everything you need on your trip. For obvious reasons, the best place to stay would be at the Four Seasons Resort. Guests of the resort get a special entrance to the course and tournament, placing them literally steps from the first tee. The other resorts closest to the course would be Port Orleans Riverside, Fort Wilderness Campgrounds, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. For food, anywhere on Disney’s Property is a go-to. Kona Café at the Disney Polynesian Resort is a popular stop for sushi and a south seas flavor for dinner, while California Grill at the top of Contemporary Resort is also a popular go-to for a more upscale experience. In addition, popular tourist stops include EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom theme parks. In addition, Disney Springs, accessible via bus and by car, is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities for the whole family. Fans 3 While you may not have that Sunday crowd feeling at the 18th hole, the fans here are no less passionate than those at the LPGA Tournament of Champions. The addition of various celebrities and athletes also helps bring out bigger crowds. There still could be a lot more people on various days at the course, but part of the appeal is the ability to see top-level golf without the massive crowds of people. The big downside here for fans hoping to grab autographs from celebrities is the large number of autograph hounds and resellers that attend the event in hopes of getting that prized signature. Access 4 Getting to the tournament is pretty easy and very stress free. Parking is free for the tournament, but is not located on the property of the golf course, so make sure you have everything you need before you leave your car, because a trip back to the car for anything is not as easy as at a normal sporting event. Most fans park at the Magic Kingdom parking lot; once there you will also find will call and the box office. Fans can also go through bag checks and security checkpoints in the parking lot as well, making it easy to get into the tournament as soon as you arrive, without waiting in line yet again. Once through security, fans are put onto a Disney bus and driven to the course, which is no more than a 5 to 10-minute trip. Once at the course you are dropped off right at the entrance to the clubhouse next to the driving range; pickup for the parking lot is also in the same place. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the weekend are $15 for a single day or $30 for the full four-day weekend. Combined with free parking, this easily vaults to the top of the list for best bang for your buck in professional sports in Florida. When also considering the time of year, location, and ease of access, it is hard not to want to attend the same tournament year after year. It also is extremely family friendly, with most golfers and athletes/celebrities willing to stop for photos and autographs after the tournament, especially for kids. Extras 4 The event has several vendors and displays throughout the course that give fans a chance to see some new golf technology – these displays almost always feature free giveaways. Also, tournament merchandise, once only available in modest amounts at the pro shop in the clubhouse, now features a massive air-conditioned tent. Inside, fans can find a variety of merchandise, including t-shirts as well as hats, sports memorabilia for autographs, and branded merchandise from some of the celebrities appearing in the event. In addition, the autograph zone near the media center and scorer’s check-in area allows fans to get up close and personal with the visiting athletes, celebrities, and LPGA pros after the tournament is over. Final Thoughts This is easily the best hidden gem of sports in Florida. A perfect mix of location, event access for fans, affordability for tickets and concessions, and perfect weather for the time of year, this is the event fans of the LPGA say is one of the most enjoyable on the calendar.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Protective Stadium 1101 22nd St N Birmingham, AL 35203 Birmingham Bowl website Protective Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 45,000 TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl - Protective Stadium There is often talk that the college football bowl season has too many games, everyone goes to a bowl game, or that these games don’t matter. But while the games themselves are glorified exhibitions they are far from meaningless – the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl does a wonderful job making the game a memorable experience for both the players and the fans who turn out to support them. Food & Beverage 4 Several factors contribute to great food experiences at stadiums; two of the top factors are a variety of choices and a local touch to those options. While the price and quality of the food are definitely contributing factors, the first two are good starting points. Protective Stadium delivers on the food front and is enhanced by the pre-game options around the stadium. The handful of restaurants that make up the Uptown Birmingham development (more on this in a moment), provide food for a multitude of taste buds. Within the stadium, concessions stands are abundant around the concourse and offer many options. The area's history in the iron industry is recognized with Sloss Smokehouse offering BBQ choices, all for under $11. Crossroads Chicken Co. features a spicy chicken sandwich or an “Alabama White Corn Dog”, which is a typical corn dog but with white Alabama BBQ sauce. The Anvil Grill serves up more typical stadium fare with burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders as their highlighted choices, and non-meat eaters will be pleased to know Beyond Burgers are available. Alcohol sales are available throughout the stadium – domestic beers start at $8 with premiums going for $11, which include many local craft brews. Also, wine by the glass for $9 and mixed drinks starting at $13 are offered at Lady Electra's. Protective Stadium is a cashless facility; visitors will either need to pay by credit/debit card or buy a cash-to-card gift card to load funds on at one of the various locations around the stadium. Atmosphere 4 Protective Stadium is a modern facility which provides magnificent views of downtown Birmingham. It is the crown of the Uptown Birmingham “eat-play-stay" development. The bowl organizers have done an excellent job in using the Uptown Development to create a fun atmosphere for fans prior to the game. From 4 hours prior to the start of the game, fans are treated to concerts leading up to game time, and also have several tents, games, and activities set up in that area leading up to kickoff. The bowl has a tie-in with the Southeastern Conference, but is hurt significantly if the SEC does not qualify enough teams for bowl participation – the 2021 game that included nearby Auburn University saw 41,000+ fans attend, while the 2022 contest between East Carolina and Coastal Carolina only drew close to 16,000 fans. However, while the lack of a Power 5 conference team does significantly hurt the overall attendance numbers, it doesn’t hurt the excitement of the game; there are enough storylines with the smaller conferences to drive the passion of the fans in the game. Neighborhood 4 Located in the Druid Hills neighborhood of Birmingham, Uptown and Protective Stadium are a few blocks from downtown. The downtown area is home to the Birmingham Institute of Civil Rights and Kelly Ingram Park, which features statues of many civil rights leaders and iconic scenes from Birmingham’s civil rights movement. Uptown Birmingham consists of 6 to 8 restaurants, two major hotels, a dog park, and pickleball courts. As alluded to previously, the restaurants provide fans with several different choices of food with Texas de Brazil, Uptown Cantina, Eugene's Hot Chicken, or Mug Shots Grille and Bar, just to name a few. From meats to Mexican, hot chicken to pub-grub, there is something for everyone. The area around Uptown and Protective Stadium offers many entertainment options, from Topgolf which is a driver and a wedge away, to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. However, no trip to Birmingham would be complete for stadium enthusiasts without visiting historic Rickwood Field – built in 1910 as the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro League, the stadium is still in use today and offers weekday tours. Birmingham is also home to a handful of professional teams who are in the middle of their seasons during the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl. Legacy Arena, just a half-mile from Protective Stadium is home to the Birmingham Squadron of the G-League. Also the Birmingham Bulls , members of the Southern Professional Hockey League play just south of the city in Pelham. If coming from out of town for the bowl experience, Uptown Birmingham includes two hotels, Westin and Sheraton Birmingham. As would be expected, staying in the heart of it all comes at a premium price. If looking to save a bit on a hotel room, however, there are many 3-to-4-star hotels in the neighboring communities that come at a much more economical rate. Fans 3 When it comes to bowl games it can be difficult to drive interest from casual fans outside of the fanbases with a rooting interest in the game. As previously mentioned, the bowl’s tie-in with the SEC does a lot to drive ticket sales, but if the SEC does not have enough bowl eligible teams, it can really hurt the turnout for this bowl. The discrepancy lies in the fact that the smaller schools just do not have as large of a fan base to pull from – when drawing teams from more than 500 miles away, the ability to fill the stadium can be difficult. If anything can be said about the fans who are at the game, though, regardless of the stadium being at capacity or only one-third full, it is difficult not to get caught up in the excitement of the fans in the stands. Access 4 Given Protective Stadium’s location in Birmingham, getting there is rather easy. Those driving to town will see Protective Stadium directly off the Interstate 20-59 ramp, and fans flying in will find themselves less than 5 miles away. Many of the hotels in the area provide a shuttle from the airport, so a rental vehicle is not a necessity for a 2-3-day stay. Parking can be found all around the stadium, but the northern lots have better tailgating options. There are a also handful of parking garages on the southern side of the stadium, but getting out of parking garages following the game can be challenging. No matter the parking lot, prices range from $20 to $25. Lastly, there is a shuttle that runs from the Uptown district to one of the suburbs of Birmingham that is heavily populated by quality 3 and 4-star hotels. Return on Investment 4 Overall prices for tickets, food, and merchandise appear to be on par with what you would expect to see at most major college football games. The merchandise is a bit pricier than you would pay on campus or at retail stores, but given the one-of-a-kind nature of these bowl game keepsakes, the inflated price does not come as a shock. Ticket prices for the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl come at a price that is comparable to most college football games – tickets start at $34 for upper-level seating and end zone seats. Club seats start at $200 with access to the bar and food buffet. With an average ticket price of approximately $80, tickets for any of these types of seating are available at reasonable rates. Extras 3 The bowl organizers go out of their way to provide visitors with the ability to experience the city of Birmingham, outside of just the area around the bowl site. The free shuttles from the Uptown district to some partnered hotels and various locations of interest around the city makes navigating Birmingham convenient for visitors from out-of-town. Protective Stadium also considers sensory sensitive fans – Kulturecity is designed for those with sensory processing needs to be able to utilize if needed. In addition, sensory kits with headphones, fidgets, and other sensory input items are also available to check out, free of charge. Final Thoughts While some bowl games typically have a difficult time appealing to the casual football fan, the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl organizers do a wonderful job of creating a memorable experience for bowl-goers – from the pep-rallies and fireworks the night before the game to the ease of being able to find entertainment around the stadium, to the pre-game concert stage and tailgating leading up to the game itself, all is done with fans in mind. If you’re an alum or fan of one of the schools taking part, or just a fan of college football, a trip to Birmingham is bound to be enjoyable.

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Penn State Field Hockey Complex 250 University Dr University Park, PA 16802 Penn State Nittany Lions field hockey website Penn State Field Hockey Complex website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 750 We Are Penn State Field Hockey Penn State is one of the elite field hockey programs in the country, having qualified for the NCAA Tournament 30 times, with seven appearances in the Final Four and two in the title game. Despite this, the Nittany Lions have yet to win the NCAA Tournament, though they did win two national championships in the pre-NCAA era. The Nittany Lions’ home stadium is appropriately known as the Penn State Field Hockey Complex. This 750-seat stadium is the fifth different home of the field hockey team, having opened in 2005. The stadium is located near several other sporting venues on campus, including the baseball , softball, ice hockey , and soccer stadiums as well as the Bryce Jordan Center and Beaver Stadium . Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand operating out of a truck at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex which offers only the very basics. The only things that can be a meal are hot dogs and nachos for $5 each. Candy is $4 and chips are $1. Bottled water is $4, while soda and Gatorade are $5. Credit cards are accepted. Atmosphere 5 Unlike the vast majority of field hockey programs in the country, Penn State really puts in the effort to create a great atmosphere here and it shows. The team will play music after big plays to pump up the crowd, and the public address announcer is enthusiastic and helps the fans get into it as well. There is also a very small but active student section who will do chants throughout the game to improve the atmosphere, a feature ubiquitous at basketball and football games but quite uncommon for college field hockey. There is a scoreboard at one end of the field that shows the basic information as well as shots, saves, and penalty corners for each team. It is also capable of showing video, and plays a hype video before each game to get the fans ready. Neighborhood 3 Penn State is located in State College, which as the name would imply is a classic college town. If looking for a place to eat or hang out, your best bet is to head downtown to College Avenue where one will find a number of restaurants and bars. However, fans with a sweet tooth may want to check out the Berkey Creamery on the Penn State Campus, a short walk from the stadium. Fans 5 Penn State consistently ranks towards the top of the nation in attendance, routinely drawing 300-500 fans a game in a stadium that seats only 750. This gives the impression of the stadium being quite full and it can get loud and rowdy in here. As mentioned above, the students bring some energy but so do the rest of the fans. Some of them are friends or family of the players, but others are just fans of Penn State athletics showing up for a game. The fans and the atmosphere here go hand in hand, with each of them helping to make the other better. Access 2 If driving to the game, your best bet is to park in the Stadium West lot in between Beaver Stadium and the soccer field. Parking is $5.50 if reserved in advance through the Parkmobile app or $10 the day of the game. Note however that if you plan on attending another Penn State game in the vicinity the same day, such as soccer at Jeffrey Field or ice hockey at Pegula Ice Arena , if you are buying an event-specific parking pass in advance you will need to pay separately per event, but if you pay the $10 the day of, you will be good for the entire day and will come out ahead in the end. We recommend parking as close to University Drive as possible for the shortest walk – this is the opposite end from the football stadium. From the lot, head down Curtin Road to the stadium. Note that some lots are closer than Stadium West, but if you do not have the appropriate permit you will be ticketed and/or towed. While students, faculty, and others with the appropriate permits may be able to park in these lots, everyone else will have to use Stadium West. Once you are in the stadium, getting around is easy enough because of the small size. There are no permanent restrooms, but there are a few port-a-potties scattered throughout. Return on Investment 4 As with most college field hockey across the country, admission to Penn State games is free. Concessions are affordable as well, if limited, and this is one of the nicest college field hockey venues in the country. However, the high cost of parking takes this score down a notch. Extras 3 On your way over to the stadium from the parking lot, look for the large “We Are” sculpture in reference to the Penn State athletics chant “We are … Penn State,” which is often shortened to just “We Are” and used as a slogan for the University The Penn State Field Hockey Complex is one of several Penn State athletic venues in the vicinity. On the right fall day, fans can easily check out a soccer, field hockey, and ice hockey match all in the same day . A third and final star for all the effort the team and fans put in to improving the experience here, which is something not seen in most college field hockey programs. Final Thoughts College field hockey is simply not that big in most of the country, and most schools do not put in any real effort to promote their team. Penn State is a notable exception. The atmosphere here is top-notch for college field hockey, and the facility itself is one of the nicest in the country. Throw in the opportunity to see several venues in close proximity and a trip to Penn State field hockey is well worth it

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 JMA Wireless Dome 900 Irving Ave Syracuse, NY 13210 Syracuse Orange website JMA Wireless Dome website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 49,057 The High Wireless Dome One of Syracuse, NY’s most recognized names changed after the 2021 college football season, as the Carrier Dome became the JMA Wireless Dome. The change in naming rights was part of a multiyear $118 million renovation of the building, which opened in 1980. The stadium remains the country’s largest domed stadium on a college campus, the largest domed stadium in the Northeastern United States, and the largest on-campus basketball arena with a capacity of 35,652 for roundball. The capacity of the JMA Wireless Dome for football is 49,207. The renovations on the Dome literally start from the top down. The building’s original air-supported roof was replaced with a fixed roof supported by cables and a translucent material that will allow more light into the venue. The roof has a 40-year life span and will not require snow removal, as the original roof required. Air-supported roofs can collapse under the weight of heavy snow, as happened at Minnesota’s Metrodome Stadium. This is a much-needed change, as Syracuse can experience some intense winter storms. Just below the roof is the Dome’s first center-hung football scoreboard/videoboard. The scoreboard measures 62 X 20 on each of its four sides. The scoreboard is a part of the Dome’s total updating of its electronics package, which includes two new videoboards at the end of the field, ribbon boards on the facing of the stadium’s upper decks, air conditioning, and the installation of Wi-Fi capability in the building. Sound and lighting systems received a much-needed updating as well. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions area also received a great deal of attention during the renovation project. The individual stands were reconfigured to allow better flow along the concourse and more efficient and compact equipment was installed for better operations within the booths. Like most stadiums, the building converted to cashless purchases and the capability of receiving orders remotely via an app. There are several brands of concessions available at the Dome. Each brand has multiple locations within the stadium. All stands offer Pepsi brand beverages ($5/20 oz) and water ($4.50). Dome Dogs offers hot dogs ($7), sausages ($5), soft pretzels ($6), nachos ($9.50), popcorn ($5) and candy ($4.25), and fries ($5). The ‘Cuse Chicken Express serves chicken tenders with fries ($13) and chicken sandwiches ($9). The Tomato Wheel is your best choice for pizza, including cheese ($6), and pepperoni ($6) options. Alcoholic drinks are sold at separate stands from the general concessions. Their offerings include 16-ounce domestic beers (Bud Light, Coors Light, and Labatt Blue Light) for $10. 16-ounce Premium beers (Sam Adams, Michelob Light) are $12, and craft beers (Fiddlehead IPA, Meir’s Creek, Heritage Hill), are $14 for a 16-ounce can. Hard seltzers are $12, and wines are $9. Rounding out your dining options are Perry’s Ice Cream and Salt City Popcorn. Salt City is a nickname for the city of Syracuse. The Orange Team Store carries the widest selection of Syracuse Orange merchandise. It is located on the main concourse at aisle 107. Atmosphere 5 Football Saturdays at Syracuse have a great deal of tradition and spectacle attached to them. These begin before you even enter the JMA Wireless Dome. The Syracuse campus is known for its spectacular fall foliage. Be sure to allow plenty of time to take in the colors before entering the building. Another pregame activity is the entertainment on the quad outside the building. The Syracuse Pride of the Orange Marching Band performs, the cheerleaders lead the cheers and there are appearances by Orange players of the past. There is also a Family Fun Zone, which opens three hours prior to kickoff. It includes music, games, face painting, and a team store. The renovation project has greatly improved the atmosphere at Syracuse home games. The videoboard and the improved sound system make it much easier to stay connected with the important plays during the game. The translucent roof has brightened the interior of the building so that fans can see much better during the day games. The seating options have also come more diverse, as the seating bowl now includes 48,000 aluminum bleacher seats, 850 theatre seats, and 40 luxury suites. The building has retained its nickname of the “Loud House,” a result of the domed roof that tends to amplify the noise level in the building. Syracuse fans use this to the home team’s advantage, as they can make it very difficult for the opposition to call plays. The student section of the stadium is known as both the “O-Zone” and “Otto’s Army” and is widely known for its decibel level. After the Orange win a home game the band and Syracuse fans head over to Varsity Pizza, a longtime shop located just off campus for a victory celebration. Varsity Pizza has a tradition of hanging the opposing team’s pennant up prior to each game. If the Orange win the game, the pennant is then hung upside down as a sign of defeat for the visitors. Neighborhood 4 The JMA Wireless Dome and the Syracuse University campus are in the University Hill neighborhood, which lies just east of Downtown Syracuse. Most of the main attractions in the area are in the downtown area. Two spots you will want to check out are the Erie Canal Museum and the Everson Art Museum. The Armory District offers great shopping, nice restaurants, and a pleasant neighborhood to check out. After you have worked up an appetite, head over to Dinosaur BBQ. Although most people do not think of BBQ in upstate New York, Dinosaur BBQ is the exception to the rule. It has been featured on the Man versus Food television show several times. Fans 5 In the past, it has been difficult to award a high score to the Orange’s football fans. First, the Orange are members of the ACC, which is primarily in the southeastern United States. This means that most of the teams that make up the Syracuse schedule are based several hundred, if not a thousand miles from the Syracuse campus, which is not near the Atlantic Coast. This makes it difficult for fans to travel to away games. Second, Syracuse has been seen as a basketball school for many years due to its regular appearances in March Madness. There are a couple of fan traditions involving Syracuse football. The first involves ‘key” plays. The fans take out their keys and shake them loudly when the visiting team is facing a 3rd and long situation, or time is running out and they are behind. This makes it very hard for the opposition to communicate and can disrupt their playcalling. It can also result in motion penalties due to linemen being unable to hear the snap count. The second tradition takes place before the games begin and the fans are out on the Syracuse campus. It is considered good luck to make a pilgrimage to the statue of Orange football icon Ernie Davis and touch the statue. Over the last few seasons, the Syracuse football program has made great strides, including becoming bowl eligible, with the fans playing a major role. The Loud House gets its high decibel readings through the combined efforts of its fans from the alumni and the student body, as well as the townspeople of Syracuse. Our ears are still ringing! As a result, we have raised our score for this section of the review over past years. Access 3 The JMA Wireless Dome is easily accessible via Interstate 81 and the NY State Thruway. The parking lots are some distance away from the JMA Wireless Dome, especially with the possibility of icy weather at some of the late-season games. Shuttle buses will bring fans from the parking lots to the Dome and return them after the game. The JMA Wireless Dome has seven main entrances, and buses will drop fans at the gate designated on their ticket. This prevents concentrating too many people at one entrance and improves the circulation on the concourses. Once inside the Dome, there are some major points of congestion involving the restrooms and the concessions areas. Most fans enter the JMA Wireless Dome at the 200-level of the stadium. This is the main concourse level, and it includes the restrooms and concession areas. The 200-level concourse also serves as the 300-level source for restrooms and concessions. The 300-level seats are connected to the 200-level concourse by sets of stairs every few aisles of the stadium. Even though the 300-level has the most seats of any level in the stadium, it does not have any service areas of its own. This results in very long lines and a great deal of time lost from viewing the games for fans from both the 200 and 300 levels during breaks in the action. There are very few TV monitors open to the field viewing areas along the 200 -concourse. The 100 level of the Dome has its own set of restrooms and concession stands, so it does not share in this flaw. Return on Investment 3 There are several price points for tickets to an Orange game. The overall range runs between $20- $60 a ticket. There are three levels of seating and the 300-level seats range from $20-$40, with the higher-priced seats along the side of the field and near the 50-yard line. 200-level seats run $20–$30 and the 100-level seats are priced between $40 and $60. Honestly, the seating bowl is angled so that there really is not a bad seat in the house. Even the upper-level seats provide a great view of the field. You also have a huge new videoboard to catch the best plays close up. Parking in one of the remote lots costs $20 and parking passes must be purchased in advance. Extras 5 $6 million of the Dome’s renovation cost made the building much more ADA friendly. The building first opened prior to the passage of the ADA so was lacking in many areas of compliance. Items receiving attention include the installation of more elevators, more wheelchair-friendly seating options, upgrading restrooms to allow for better accessibility, installation of wider entry points into the stadium, and closed caption capabilities on the videoboards. In addition to football games, the JMA Wireless Dome hosts both the basketball and lacrosse programs of Syracuse University, concerts featuring some of music’s top performers, commencement ceremonies for the University, and even ice-based events including hockey and skating competitions. The Dome has hosted either the semifinals or the finals of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament seven times. Syracuse University salutes its most famous athlete, Ernie Davis, in many ways on campus. Davis was a star running back at the school, winning the Heisman Trophy. He was the first African American to reach this achievement, and he was the first African American to be the #1 pick in the NFL Draft. Tragically, he died of leukemia before ever playing a game in the NFL. The turf field at the Dome is officially known as the Ernie Davis Legends Field. There is also a statue of Davis on the Syracuse campus, as he was an excellent student. There are additional statues of fellow Syracuse football icons Jim Brown and Floyd Little at the football athletic office building. The Orange have had some very successful seasons since the football program began in 1899. They won a National Championship in 1959, with the powerful Jim Brown playing running back. Other football stars for the Orange that went on to NFL stardom include Ernie Davis, Tim Green, Art Monk, Floyd Little, Larry Csonka, John Mackey, and Donovan McNabb. Final Thoughts There is still no place like ‘Dome at Syracuse University… even if the title sponsorship has changed. The gameday experience has been greatly enhanced by the many updates that have taken place over the last 2-3 seasons. The new scoreboard, an improved sound system. increased accessibility under the ADA and a new roof that allows more light to filter into the playing field all add up to a facility that is well prepared for its next 50 years of use.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Shell Energy Stadium 2200 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77003 Houston Dynamo website Shell Energy Stadium Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 20,039 Houston Dynamo FC – Shell Energy Stadium In 2006, the owners of the original Major League Soccer (MLS)  San Jose Earthquakes were granted the right to relocate, and they chose the fourth-largest city in the country as their new home. The cosmopolitan Houston, Texas proved to be a perfect fit for the rechristened Houston Dynamo FC . The team experienced immediate success upon their arrival in Space City, winning the MLS Cup in 2006 and 2007. The team was also runners-up in the MLS Cup in 2011 and 2012 and additionally won the U.S. Open Cup in 2018 and 2023. Since 2012 the club has called the now named Shell Energy Stadium its home. The stadium has been the site for numerous international soccer and rugby matches, and high school football showdowns, and is the home stadium for the Texas Southern University Tigers  football team, as well as the Houston Dash  of the NWSL. Situated at the heart of Houston’s vibrant downtown, Shell Energy Stadium was designed by the same firm that was responsible for the famed Emirates Stadium  in London, home of Arsenal FC. The facility was recently renovated in 2023 to replace most of the seats and upgrade the LED boards and has proven to be a hit with fans. Read on to learn more.   Food & Beverage   4 The food and drink scene at Shell Energy Stadium is pretty stellar. At every stand – which is all located on the main concourse – you can purchase your traditional game day fare such as water, sodas, popcorn, peanuts, candy, etc. There are also quite a few area restaurants that have stands in the stadium selling their goods, all representing the diverse cultures of H-Town. Fans can sample Vietnamese bahn mi sandwiches from Roostar , or tacos and Mexican street corn from Hugo’s Restaurant , Taquerias Arandas , and Elotes Bravos . You can also get pizza from Vinny’s , Thai noodles from Street to Kitchen , and burgers from legendary Trill Burgers . If you’re looking for an adult beverage to enjoy the match with, Shiner Bock Bar, Legends Bar, and Corona Premier Bar are options for you – you’ll eat and drink well at Shell Energy Stadium.   Atmosphere   3 The atmosphere and game day experience were enhanced thanks to the recent remodel. The seats on the West side of the stadium spell out “HOUSTON” in glorious fashion, and there are also quite a few photo op spaces around the stadium for fans. There is also a main team store (open even on days when there is no game) located near the main entrance. Inside you can purchase all manner of team merchandise and souvenirs, take photos with all the Dynamo’s championship trophies, and visit a studio where you can don the team’s kit and have a photo taken by professionals. The facility also has two exclusive clubs, the East Club and the West Club, for specific ticketholders. The clubs have exclusive menus, drinks, and viewing areas.   Neighborhood   5 Houston is an exciting city – there is really no denying it. It’s sprawling and the traffic is awful, it’s miserably hot and humid nine months out of the year, but it is exciting. There is an energy to H-Town that is palpable; it is hard to miss this feeling when you’re downtown and there’s a game going on. Not only do the Dynamo call the area home, but so do the Astros and the Rockets . If you consider that the Texans are also in town and not too far from downtown, you can imagine the excitement and energy the area has to offer. If you’re able to stay downtown when attending a game at Shell Energy Stadium, which I highly recommend if at all possible, you will find an abundance of entertainment, dining, and lodging options to choose from. The only limitation is your budget. A few options near the stadium include Texas Tailgate (which is literally across the street from the venue) and Pitch 25 . Both eateries are of the sports bar variety, but offer a great atmosphere before and after games; as said both are within walking distance from Shell Energy Stadium. If you’re looking for things to do, I always like to recommend a few of my favorite attractions in H-Town, the Houston Zoo and the Downtown Aquarium . Both are world-class facilities, and both offer hours of opportunities to explore. These would be great options if you’re attending the game with younger fans. Again, though, you have countless options in the Houston area for things to do – whatever you’re into, you’ll find options for it. Lastly, for lodging, this again depends on your budget. There are hotels within walking distance of the Shell Energy Stadium; both Marriott Marquis Houston  and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Houston Downtown Convention Center are less than half a mile away.   Fans   3 Houston Dynamo FC currently averages just over 17,000 fans per game at Shell Energy Stadium. While this places them almost at the bottom of attendance averages in MLS, this also means the stadium is near capacity on a nightly basis. I admittedly attended my most recent game here right after Hurricane Beryl hit Houston; the stadium was fine, but residual weather delayed the game for almost two hours, so the crowd was not as full as it normally would have been. The fans that did attend were by and large sporting Dynamo orange and purple gear. The team currently has four supporter groups, El Batallón, Texian Army, Bandera Negra, and The Surge – these groups chant, set off smoke for goals, and bang drums for the entirety of each Dynamo match. Their passion for the team adds to the energy and atmosphere on game days.   Access   4 As mentioned earlier, Shell Energy Stadium is located in Houston’s downtown, which makes it eminently locatable and surprisingly easy to get to. The facility is only about a 20 to 30-minute drive from both William P. Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The traffic in Houston, though, as I always mention, will get you. If you’re driving you will be sitting in it for a while, and there is nothing you can to do avoid it unless you take public transportation, which Houston has figured out. The Houston METRO will drop you off right in front of the main entrance to Shell Energy Stadium – you can’t beat it. If you do choose to drive, parking is plentiful near the stadium. Two lots across from Shell Energy Stadium are officially affiliated with the team, but virtually every business in the area will have options to choose from; the cost depends on how close you want to be and/or how much or how little you want to walk.   Return on Investment   3 Single-game tickets for Houston Dynamo FC games at Shell Energy Stadium start at $22 per person; this varies depending on the match and opponent. Parking in the lots in front of the stadium starts at $30 per car, and the concessions are a little on the higher side, but the facility does offer fare that is not your traditional ballpark food, so it’s worth the extra money. The Houston Dynamo rank in the top half of MLS in terms of cost to attend a game , but are still comparably affordable compared to their NFL , NBA , and MLB Space Town counterparts.   Extras   2 There is not much in the way of Extras for fans attending games at Shell Energy Stadium. Honestly, this venue seems pretty comparable to what I’ve experienced at other MLS games – the energy of the crowd and the action on the pitch seems to be the main selling points. What keeps this from being lower is that the Dynamo and the Dash share a mascot, Diesel . The human-sized red fox is pretty active and is amenable to photos with fans, especially younger ones. I don’t know of many MLS teams that boast a mascot, but it’s always refreshing when a team has one.   Final Thoughts To be quite frank, soccer isn’t my sport. However, I always try my best to remain objective in these reviews. I think Shell Energy Stadium has a lot to offer and still seems quite fresh, despite it being over a decade old. Plus Houston is a great city to visit – having so much to see and do in and around the facility adds quite a bit to the experience. That said, if you’re a fan of soccer I’d recommend visiting the Dynamo. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .